Assam ’s emergency healthcare network has pushed into chaos as nearly 500 employees of the 108 Mrityunjoy ambulance service have removed from duty, deepening a crisis that has entered its fourth consecutive day. The indefinite strike, which began on December 1, has brought ambulance operations across the state to a complete standstill.
Employees from several districts have gathered at Chachal in Guwahati, rallying under the banner of the All Assam 108 Mrityunjoy Employee Association. Their demands include job security, overdue overtime payments, and fair wage revisions—issues workers say have ignored despite “years of unfulfilled promises from the state government.”
The 108 Mrityunjoy service is a lifeline for thousands, especially in rural and remote regions where medical facilities are limited. With ambulance operations suspended, patients and families are struggling to find transport during emergencies. Hospitals, which rely heavily on the service for rapid patient transfers, are also feeling the strain as the absence of emergency vehicles threatens to delay critical care.
Association leaders say they have repeatedly submitted memorandums and held discussions—even meeting the Chief Minister and Health Department officials—but no meaningful action has followed. “Despite multiple rounds of talks, the government has not taken any concrete steps,” the association stated.
Key demands of the striking employees include:
- Guaranteed job security for all staff
- Timely and fair wage revisions
- Immediate release of overdue overtime payments
Workers have made it clear they will not return to duty until these demands met, leaving the ambulance network—normally active across Assam—completely paralyzed. With no breakthrough in sight, concerns over access to emergency medical care continue to rise.
As the deadlock prolongs, citizens, healthcare workers, and local leaders are urging both sides to reach a swift resolution. Restoring the 108 Mrityunjoy service has now become a matter of urgent public importance, as thousands remain without critical emergency support across the state.
