Following a pilot mission carried out in Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka’s well being and household welfare division has determined to take over the “108” free ambulance service subsequent month, citing complaints of shortcomings in its administration.
Addressing a information convention on Wednesday, Well being and Household Welfare minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stated the state authorities would take over the operations and administration of the ambulance service being managed by non-public companies.
“There are a number of complaints in regards to the administration of ambulances. The state authorities has made all preparations to take over the identical,” he stated, noting that the pilot mission in Chamarajanagar was a hit.
Although the federal government used to pay these companies, they usually didn’t remunerate employees manning the ambulances on time, he stated, noting that the state authorities needed to intervene a number of occasions to deal with grievances raised by the ambulance drivers. “With the federal government taking on these providers, these points will probably be resolved,” the minister stated.
Rao stated the state authorities owns the “108” ambulance service and pays employees wages and the automobiles’ gas bills. “Reasonably than companies, if the federal government manages operations of those automobiles, tons of of crores will be saved for the state exchequer,” he stated, including that the providers would additionally enhance.
The non-public companies are managing the ambulances throughout the state from one command centre. Within the subsequent three months, the division will begin managing the ambulances. Whereas the principle command centre will probably be in Bengaluru, separate command centres can even be arrange in districts, Rao stated.
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