Aurobindo’s financial irregularities problem to 108 ambulance services: HM

Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav accused Aurobindo company of financial irregularities in managing Andhra Pradesh’s 108 ambulance services since 2020. Speaking in the Assembly during a Calling Attention motion raised by MLAs Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy and Dhulipala Narendra, he criticized the service for failing to admit patients to hospitals during the critical "golden hour."

The minister claimed the original 2005 initiative by late Chief Minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy had been undermined by escalating costs and inefficiency. In 2016, ambulances were contracted at Rs 1.3 lakh per vehicle, while in 2020, old ambulances were billed at Rs 2.27 lakh and new ones at Rs 1.75 lakh each.

Despite high costs, only 11-20 per cent of patients received timely hospital admissions, he alleged. Staff in financial crisis Severe financial difficulties have been facing by 108 and 104 ambulance staff. Workers have not received salaries for four months, with low pay and irregular disbursements adding to their woes.

Many staff, including drivers and data entry operators, are struggling to make ends meet and are forced to take loans to support their families. In Sri Sathya Sai district, 74 employees across 104 vehicles reported apersistent issues, including outdated wages, worn-out tires, and insufficient fuel supplies.

Drivers earn Rs 12,900 monthly, while data entry operators receive Rs 12,500—well below the Rs 18,500 mandated for employees with over five years of service under Government Order 7. The withdrawal of Aurobindo from management responsibilities has further fueled uncertainty about wage arrears.