Odisha’s 108 ambulance crew to get special monthly allowance 

The Odisha government on Thursday approved a provision of a special allowance out of the State fund for the 108 ambulance drivers, emergency medical technicians (EMT), and helpers. 

As per the press note released by the government, from this month, the 108 ambulance drivers and EMTs will get Rs 5000 per month and the helpers Rs 3000 per month. The allowances will be in addition to their existing basic salaries (as per the applicable minimum wage rate).

Presently, the drivers, the EMTs and the helpers of the 108 ambulances are paid basic salary as per the Minimum Wages Act. The drivers and EMTs are classified as skilled workers and the helpers as unskilled workers for the purpose of minimum wages.

Also Read: Woman gives birth on trolley after 108 ambulance service 'denied' in Odisha’s Balasore 

The Emergency Medical Ambulance Service has been a lifeline for the people of Odisha since March 2013. Presently the 108 Ambulance Service is operational with a fleet of 1,366 ambulances including 411 ALS ambulances and 6 boat ambulances. 

The 108 ambulance fleet provides emergency care and transportation to about 1.3 lakh patients every month.