Northeast Desk, 18th May: The Meghalaya government has approved the formation of a new tender committee to appoint a firm to handle the 108 emergency ambulance services, a move finalized on May 17. Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh announced the decision, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the tender process is executed correctly this time.
“The new tender has been approved, and it should be done correctly this time,” Lyngdoh stated, highlighting the government’s focus on streamlining important departmental procedures to facilitate a smooth tender process.
This approval comes after the tendering process was previously cancelled three times. There had been calls for the government to form a high-powered committee, comprising healthcare officials and experts, instead of re-issuing a new tender.
Currently, the National Health Mission (NHM) oversees the ambulance services. However, Lyngdoh expressed that NHM is not the appropriate platform for managing these services.
Previously, the ambulance services were operated by GVK EMRI. Following a closure notice issued to the firm in August 2022, the government has been working to appoint a new operator for the services.
Lyngdoh also expressed concern for the workers affected by these changes. “I feel bad for the workers. We will see what needs to be done for these workers. However, they would be happy if there was a functional company running EMRI services,” she added.
Read More: Assam: Police Seize Heroin Worth Rs 3 Crore in Karimganj