Special Allowance Granted to 108 Ambulance Crew for Exceptional Emergency Services in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Recognizing the invaluable and round-the-clock emergency services provided by the 108 Ambulance crew, particularly during the challenges posed by the pandemic and disaster situations, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik approved a Special Allowance to motivate and appreciate their dedicated efforts.

In response to the representations made by the crew members and considering their hard work in challenging circumstances, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik sanctioned a Special Allowance from the State fund. The allowance will be provided at the rate of Rs 5,000 per month to Drivers and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), and Rs 3,000 per month to Helpers, starting from February 2024. This additional allowance is in addition to their existing basic salary, adhering to the applicable minimum wage rate.

The 108 Ambulance Service has been a lifeline for the people of Odisha since March 2013, operating with a fleet of 1,366 Ambulances, including 411 Advanced Life Support (ALS) Ambulances and 6 Boat Ambulances. Every month, the 108 Ambulance fleet extends emergency care and transportation to approximately 1.3 lakh patients.

The crew, consisting of Drivers, Emergency Medical Technicians, and Helpers, consistently works in challenging conditions, often involving difficult working hours. Their exceptional services during natural calamities, accidents, and the Covid-19 pandemic highlight their dedication and commitment, which the government has acknowledged.

The 108 Ambulance crew, categorized as skilled and unskilled workers under the Minimum Wages Act, receives a basic salary according to their classification. The recent representations made by the crew during Chairman 5T and Nabin Odisha V K Pandian’s district visits emphasized the need for an increase in remuneration, considering the nature of their work and the challenges they face during emergencies.