Drivers of Karnataka’s 108 free ambulance service, Arogya Kavacha, have given the state government 15 days to address their demands and threatened collective resignation if their concerns are not resolved. Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader, meanwhile, warned that strict action would be taken if any protest or disruption affects patients. The service operates a fleet of around 711 to 715 ambulances across Karnataka.

The drivers have sought an annual review of salaries and regular hikes, along with a uniform salary structure instead of the existing zonal-wise system. They have also demanded deployment of ambulances in three shifts and changes to the current shift arrangement. The demands are aimed at addressing salary disparities and working conditions among drivers operating the emergency ambulance network.

Among their other demands is an increase in compensation for the families of ambulance drivers who die in accidents to Rs 50 lakh. The drivers have also sought salaries based on seniority and in line with Labour Department guidelines. In addition, they want their monthly salaries to be credited within seven days of every month and have called for rest rooms for ambulance drivers.

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The drivers have warned that they will collectively resign if the government fails to address their demands within the 15-day deadline. Khader, however, clarified that the operation and management of the 108 ambulance service has been assigned to a private company engaged by the government. He said the company is responsible for providing vehicles, salaries, training, cleanliness, uniforms and other facilities to the drivers.

Khader urged the drivers to raise their concerns with the company and said the government could be informed if issues remained unresolved. He added that the government would intervene if the company failed to pay salaries that had been promised in writing at the time of appointment. According to the minister, the government has no direct involvement in the company’s employment-related matters, but the service provider remains accountable for contracted responsibilities.

Khader also maintained that drivers were free to stage a dharna or protest, but warned against any disruption to emergency services. He emphasised that action would be taken if patients were affected by the protest. The warning comes as the drivers’ 15-day deadline puts the functioning of Karnataka’s free emergency ambulance network under renewed focus.

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