Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, May 14: The Karnataka government will soon take full control of the 108 ambulance services, withdrawing operational responsibilities from private agencies, said health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, the minister stated, “Until now, 108 ambulances were operated by private agencies. This arrangement has led to several issues. Henceforth, the state government will manage these operations directly. A successful pilot has already been carried out in Chamarajanagar district.”
He added, “The 108 ambulance service plays a crucial role in public healthcare. Despite regular government payments to agencies, staff often did not receive their salaries on time. The government had to intervene multiple times to resolve salary-related grievances of ambulance drivers.”
According to the minister, the ambulances are government-owned, and the state bears costs such as fuel and driver salaries. Private agencies operated the service via a central command centre, but the government believes that direct control by the health department will save hundreds of crores and improve operational efficiency.
“A pilot project conducted in Chamarajanagar district has shown that the health department can manage these services effectively. Within the next month, the department will assume control of all state-run ambulances. In the following three months, the 108 ambulance network will be brought under the health department’s command control centre,” he said.
Additionally, the minister announced that a central command centre in Bengaluru and district-level command centres will be established to oversee operations.
No withholding of salaries: Minister
Responding to media reports that over 30,000 staff have not received salaries, Gundu Rao clarified: “We have not withheld any salaries. The opening balance for the financial year 2023–24 was reduced due to the previous administration. Also, the central government has not released funds, which caused delays. Salaries will be disbursed within the next two to three days.”
He also revealed that under the National Health Mission, salary revisions and substantial increases have been made for MBBS doctors, specialists, and staff nurses working in SNCUs and ICUs.
No recommendation in Kukke Subrahmanya Temple appointment
On the appointment of Harish Injadi as president of the Kukke Subrahmanya Temple Management Board, the minister clarified: “I did not recommend anyone. Harish was elected through a voting process. This is not a positive development. I will discuss the matter with the minister for Muzrai. As per rules, it is not possible to replace him immediately, since the term is for three years. I will seek further clarity.”