108 Ambulance Staff Threaten Service Shutdown Over Unresolved Demands

The 15 day deadline issued by Karnataka 108 ambulance employees to the government has ended, with workers saying their demands remain unresolved and warning of a possible service stoppage from tomorrow night.

The employees have been seeking changes to their salary structure and working conditions for some time. Their demands include annual salary revision, a uniform pay system, compensation for employees who die in accidents while on duty and better facilities for staff.

According to the employees, no satisfactory response has come from the Health Department or the government even after the deadline expired. They have therefore announced plans to intensify their protest if their demands are not addressed.

The employees have said that they could stop 108 ambulance operations from 8 pm tomorrow. They have also threatened to submit their resignations collectively if the government does not respond by tomorrow evening.

Such a move could create difficulties for emergency medical transport in several parts of Karnataka, particularly for patients and families who depend on ambulance services during medical emergencies. However, the proposed shutdown is a decision announced by the employees and its actual impact will depend on whether the dispute is resolved before the deadline.

The workers have called for government intervention to prevent disruption to emergency services. They have urged the Health Department to hold discussions and address their concerns before the proposed action begins.

One of their major demands is an annual salary increase and regular revision of wages. Employees have also sought an end to differences in pay between different zones and have demanded a uniform salary structure for staff performing similar duties.

The workers have further asked that salaries be determined according to seniority. They have also sought timely payment of monthly wages, saying salaries should be credited by the seventh day of every month in accordance with labour rules.

Working conditions are another major part of the dispute. Employees have requested suitable arrangements for operating ambulance services across three shifts and have sought changes to existing shift timings.

They have also raised concerns about rest facilities. According to their demands, staff should be provided with proper rooms or designated spaces where they can take necessary rest between duties.

Compensation for employees who die in accidents while performing their duties is another key demand. The workers have sought compensation of Rs 50 lakh for the families of employees who lose their lives in such circumstances.

The employees say these demands are linked not only to their salaries but also to the conditions under which ambulance staff work. They have argued that emergency medical transport requires staff to remain available for long hours and that their concerns need to be addressed through a structured discussion.

The immediate concern is whether the government and the employees can reach an understanding before the proposed service stoppage. With the deadline already over, staff representatives are pressing for an early response from the Health Department.

For the public, the issue has added uncertainty around emergency ambulance availability. A settlement before the proposed shutdown would avoid possible disruption and allow the 108 service to continue without interruption.

The employees have made it clear that they are prepared to intensify the protest if their demands remain pending. The next few hours are therefore expected to be important for talks between the government and the representatives of the ambulance staff.