Newmai News Network
Shillong | October 20
The AYWO Central Governing Body (CGB) has sought a quick resolution to the problems between the GVK EMRI (108 Services) and the state government of Meghalaya stating the same has caused immense problems to the people of the state, especially the rural areas.
“The government needs to understand that medical care and emergency services have literally been stopped in the rural areas of the state due to the current impasse. Given the critical nature of the situation, we urge the state government to reach a solution to this problem at the earliest,” the general secretary of the AYWO, Lyiend Roshan R Marak said on October 20.
Employees of GVK EMRI-108 emergency services have been on an indefinite strike over various demands by their union with all 53 ambulances from across the state being surrendered to the office premises of GVK EMRI at Lawmali in Shillong since October 1. The workers’ union has also submitted a copy of their demands to various NGOs in Meghalaya to keep them informed. The state government however called the strike illegal.
According to AYWO, many villages for whom the 108 services were a life saver, especially in emergencies are suffering due to the current impasse which is not fair for the population.
“If the services are not restored at the earliest, we will have no option than to start a democratic agitation to ensure that the services are restored and people able to use emergency services again,” said Marak.
AYWO also regretted that their many visits to PHCs and CHCs in Garo Hills have revealed a dire lack of medicines.
“Even small things like cotton, tetanus injections etc are not there. This is a serious matter and the government has to look into the lack of medicines at the absolute earliest. Most people are suffering due to the lack of medicines in these medicine centres,” added the AYWO secretary.
