108 staff on black badge stir seeking safety gear

“We are in constant fear of getting infected and our family members are also in risk due to the nature of our job. Our neighbours have begun to discriminate our families due to the risk of contracting infection,” said an ambulance driver.

The ambulance crew, who out of concern for their family, have now urged the government to provide them with a separate staying facility in order to keep away from their family until the situation gets normal. They do not want to visit their houses and instead stay alone in the government facility as a precautionary measure.

Further, the ambulance staff have been demanding to make them permanent and ensure job safety.

“The State government announced a special pay for the Health Department staff working at times of COVID-19 crisis. In contrast, the 108 Ambulance staff, who work in the same medical field, are left out without even basic requirements,” lamented another staff.

They decided not to strike work at this hour of emergency as it may affect patients. “So, about 140 staff of 40 ambulances operated in Erode district wore black badge to press our demands in a peaceful manner,” said a staff.