'108' ambulances remain off the road in DK, Udupi

Their demands include increase in salary on par with what government drivers and nurses, weekly offs, eight-hour shift and provident fund (PF) and ESI cards. Besides, they want the Government to treat them as government employees. The employees had struck work last year too demanding for a hike in their salary, following which their pay was increased marginally.

When Deccan Herald contacted DHO Dr Srirangappa, he said that of the 19 ambulances, three drivers have given the keys to the health department. However, none of the staff have handed over the mobilephones to the authorities. Hence, a case has been registered in the police stations. “We have received seven duplicate keys from Bangalore and we already have three keys. The department will hand over the charge to the available drivers in the department and will start running the ambulance from Thursday. Accordingly, ambulance will be available at Wenlock hospital, Bajpe, Kadaba, Belthangady, Poonjalkatte, and other places. We will see that the health service is not affected and no inconvenience will be caused to the public.”

In Udupi

The 108 Arogya Kavacha ambulance services in Udupi too was affected with the protest.

There are 45 employees attached to 11 ambulances of Arogya Kavacha in Udupi. None of the employees received the call on Wednesday. Speaking to Deccan Herald, one of the employees who is in Bangalore taking part in the protest at Freedom Park, said: “We 45 employees are in Bangalore. We will not receive our calls till the protest is withdrawn.” The protest is likely to be continued on Thursday as well.