Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: The staff working under the 108 ambulance service in Jharkhand, especially those handling Inter-Facility Transfers (IFT), are facing growing dissatisfaction due to prolonged duty hours, lack of overtime pay, and insufficient basic facilities. Workers fear that these issues could adversely affect service operations.
No Overtime, No Allowances
Employees report being on continuous duty for 12 to 16 hours or more while transporting patients from district hospitals to larger institutions like RIMS in Ranchi. Despite the long hours, there is no provision for overtime payment, food allowance, or other essential support, leading to physical and mental exhaustion.
Breakdowns Without Backup
Staff allege that if an ambulance breaks down during an IFT case, they often have to stay on-site for days or return later to retrieve the vehicle. In such situations, no lodging or travel allowances (TA/DA) are provided. Previously, the earlier company managing the service had offered food allowances, and while the current company made similar commitments in writing, implementation remains pending.
Appeals Made, Threat of Service Disruption
The workers’ union has formally addressed their concerns to the company management, the Chief Minister, Health Minister, top health department officials, NHM Director, DCs, and civil surgeons. State General Secretary Suraj Sahu clarified that the aim is not to disrupt this public service, but warned that if issues remain unresolved within 10 days, the union may be forced to take tough decisions that could impact IFT operations.
