108 Ambulance Staff Continue Protest for 30th Day, Demand Probe into GVK EMRI

The protest by employees of Assam’s 108 emergency ambulance service entered its 30th day on Monday, with agitating staff renewing their demand for a high-level probe into the functioning of service provider GVK EMRI and immediate resolution of long-pending labour issues.
The protesters, comprising ambulance drivers, emergency medical technicians and other support staff, alleged large-scale mismanagement, irregularities in service operations and neglect of workers’ rights. They claimed repeated representations to the authorities have failed to yield concrete action, forcing them to continue their agitation despite assurances from officials.
According to the protesting employees, issues such as lack of job security, delayed payments, poor service conditions and alleged contractual violations have persisted for years. They have also sought an independent inquiry into the operations of GVK EMRI, which manages the 108 emergency ambulance services under the National Health Mission (NHM) in Assam.
“We have been serving the people of Assam for years, even during emergencies and disasters, but our grievances are being ignored,” one of the protesters said, adding that the agitation would continue until their demands are met.
The employees said they had held meetings with NHM officials in recent weeks, during which assurances were given regarding discussions and possible action. However, they alleged that no concrete steps have followed so far, leading to growing frustration among the workforce.
Despite the protest, the workers maintained that essential emergency services were being provided to avoid inconvenience to the public. However, they warned that prolonged inaction by the authorities could further affect morale and service efficiency.
Officials from the state health department and NHM have not issued any fresh statement on the continued protest. The situation remains tense as ambulance staff vow to intensify their agitation if their demands, including a formal probe into GVK EMRI, are not addressed soon.