‘108’ services crippled in TS

• 70 services come to a halt due to shortage of fuel
• Delay in release of funds to GVK group also cited

Hyderabad: The blue and orange-striped vehicles have become a familiar sight both in Telangana State and Andhra Pradesh. Many owe their lives to these specialised ambulance personnel whose quick response has made ‘108’ an indispensable emergency service.

But some or other problem has been continually plaguing the service for the last few years. Now the problem is felt acute in the Telangana State with 70 out of total 390 vehicles coming to a screeching halt. Shortage of diesel has been projected as the reason for halting the vehicle.

It is, however, said that the services have been stopped as the funds are not released by the government. This has given rise to a controversy between the GVK Emergency Management and the government. GVK Emergency Management is managing the service.

The ‘108’ Employees Union leaders have questioned the rationale in bestowing the management of the service on the GVK Emergency Management when the government is providing “100 per cent funding.”

It may be recalled that the Employees Union has addressed a letter recently to Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, complaining that they are not paid salaries for the last six months. As a result, they are unable to celebrate either Dasara or Bakrid festivals. The wail of the 108 ambulance siren was a sign of hope for many, but it had fallen mute now.