Shillong, Aug 23: The Meghalaya Emergency Medical Response & Intervention Workers Union (MEMRIWU) condemned the alleged harassment faced by the personnel of the 108 Emergency Service while transporting a patient to Guwahati.
According to information received, the 108 ambulance was stopped on August 21 while on its way to Guwahati, where the pilot and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) on duty were allegedly subjected to harassment by an unruly crowd. “The ambulance was blocked by several individuals. Such acts are extremely serious and could have had potentially dangerous consequences for the patient receiving emergency medical care inside the ambulance, as well as for the medical personnel and crew, said a statement issued by president Meghalaya EMRI Workers’ Union Roypar Kharraswai
An emergency ambulance carrying a patient must be allowed safe and uninterrupted passage, regardless of any political, administrative, or public dispute. Ambulances and emergency workers must never become targets during protests or other confrontations, he said.
MEMRIWU said it is also deeply concerned by the reported removal of a black flag displayed on the ambulance. The flag was intended as a peaceful symbol of protest regarding the grievances of workers and what the union considers the Government of Meghalaya’s continued adamant approach toward the concerns of emergency-service workers. While the union’s right to peaceful expression must be respected, such a dispute should never interfere with the safe transportation of a patient.
MEMRIWU, while condemning the actions of those responsible for obstructing and allegedly attacking the ambulance, expressed concern over the conduct attributed to the members of the Tourist Association, Assam. We call upon the association to ensure that its members and supporters respect emergency services and do not obstruct ambulances carrying patients, he said.
The union also held both the Government of Assam and the Government of Meghalaya accountable for failing to adequately ensure the safety and uninterrupted movement of emergency medical services.
“We particularly urge the Assam administration to investigate the incident and explain why an emergency ambulance transporting a patient was not provided safe passage through the area”, he added..
