Y.S.Rajasekhar Reddy was the first person to introduce 108 ambulance services in the then united Andhra Pradesh. Ever since then, even after bifurcation, the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have continued to make use of this handy scheme.
However, a new row of controversies and allegations have begun on 108 ambulance services in Andhra Pradesh, with TDP claiming that the government has resorted to corruption even in this.
All these allegations started when the YSRCP government cancelled the existing 108 ambulance contract with BVG, a contract which was meant to last till December 12, 2020. Cancelling this contract, the YSRCP government gave the contract to Aurobindo Pharma Foundation Consortium at a higher price. Interestingly, Arurobindo is co-founded by P.V.Ramprasad Reddy, the father of Vijayasai Reddy’s Son-in-law. Services belonging to 108 and 104 of this contract will begin from July 1st.
Despite TDP’s allegations, the health department has claimed that the Request for Proposals (RFP) was submitted for a Judicial Preview in October 2019, after which the decision to revise the contract for 108 and 104 services was taken. The health department also made it clear that whatever increase was made in the prices was to accomodate for an increase in staff salaries, maintenance of vehicles, and increased fuel price.
As of now, there’s no clarity over who’s right in this matter, and hopefully, we will get a clear picture soon.