Employees across state protest NHM policies, allege violation of service norms
TNR News Network
Shimla:
Ambulance services across Himachal Pradesh were thrown into disarray as employees operating under the state’s 108 and 102 emergency response systems launched a 24-hour strike, starting from 8 pm on October 2.
The protest, led by the 108-102 Ambulance Workers’ Union affiliated with CITU, is directed against the National Health Mission (NHM), accusing it of long-standing exploitation and ignoring legal orders related to staff welfare.
Patients and their families across the state, including major hospitals in Shimla such as IGMC, DDU and KNH, faced significant hardship. With no immediate access to ambulances, many were forced to rely on private taxis, often paying steep fares, even during medical emergencies.
NHM accused of exploitation; union warns of escalation
A union leader said that NHM continues to violate labour rights despite repeated court rulings in favour of workers. “Our workers are being made to work 12-hour shifts but aren’t even paid for 8 hours. Orders from the Himachal Pradesh High Court, labour court and labour department are being openly disregarded,” he said.
He further warned that if the government failed to address their demands promptly, the agitation could intensify. “Ambulance services are a lifeline for the people. We don’t want to disrupt them, but the government is leaving us no choice,” he said.
Patients forced to rely on private ambulances
As the strike took effect, its impact was felt almost immediately. In Shimla, government hospitals scrambled to arrange for private ambulances. IGMC, which usually operates 10 ambulances under 108 service, was left with just four private vehicles on Thursday night. At DDU Hospital, only two ambulances were available against the usual five and KNH managed with just one instead of three.
Reports poured in of patients waiting long hours for transport. One family at IGMC recounted how they had to book a private taxi after repeated failed attempts to get through to the 108 helpline. Similar scenes played out at DDU, where caregivers wandered helplessly, seeking alternate transportation for their patients.
