The resumption of Assam's crucial 108 Mrityunjoy Emergency Response Services has been overshadowed by escalating tensions, as thousands of recently terminated staff continue their protest, raising serious concerns about the new recruitment process and potential risks to patient safety.
Protests Intensify Despite Service Restart
Even as the state's vital emergency ambulance service resumed operations with a fresh batch of contractual staff, discontent is brewing among over 3,000 former employees. The protesters, organized under the All Assam 108 Mrityunjoy Employees Association, have been demonstrating for better salary, increments, and job security. Their agitation has now stretched to 37 days, with no resolution in sight.
Association president Pranjal Sharma voiced the group's frustration, stating that despite their prolonged protest, they have received no concrete assurances from the authorities. He warned that the stir would be intensified if their demands remain unmet.
Allegations of Hasty Recruitment and Safety Risks
The core of the dispute lies in the recruitment of the new contractual staff. The protesting employees have leveled serious allegations, claiming the hiring process was conducted in a careless and hasty manner. They argue that this approach compromises the quality of emergency medical response.
"We received rigorous training," said Pranjal Sharma, highlighting the experience of the terminated workforce. "Most new recruits lack hands-on training and familiarity with emergency and patient-handling protocols." This lack of proper training, the association contends, poses a direct threat to patient safety during critical emergencies.
A State in Need of Reliable Emergency Care
The situation presents a complex challenge for the state administration. While the immediate goal of restoring the 108 emergency services has been achieved, the ongoing protest by experienced hands and the allegations of inadequate training for new recruits cast a shadow over the service's reliability. The state now faces the dual task of ensuring uninterrupted emergency medical response while addressing the legitimate grievances of a large group of skilled former employees.
The coming days are crucial. The protesting association's threat to intensify their agitation adds pressure on the authorities to find a swift and fair resolution. The outcome will not only affect the livelihoods of thousands but also determine the operational efficiency and safety standards of a life-saving public service for the people of Assam.
