Health Minister moves to prevent 108 ambulance workers’ strike; government warns of strict action, ESMA likely

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has begun taking strict measures to ensure that the state’s 108 ambulance services are not disrupted. Steps have been initiated to invoke the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) to prevent the indefinite strike announced by ambulance workers from September 17. Health Minister K. Muraleedharan has written to Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala seeking action in this regard.

The dispute over the bonus for the 2025-26 financial year has led ambulance workers to announce the strike. The Ambulance Employees Union has called an indefinite strike demanding a solution to the bonus issue. The government maintains that the 108 ambulance service, which is part of the emergency healthcare system, must remain available round the clock.

The government has warned that legal action will be taken against employees if ambulances stop operating or emergency services are disrupted due to the strike.

ESMA is used to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of essential services. Authorities can take action, including arrest, against employees who participate in a strike in violation of ESMA provisions. The law also provides for punishment, including imprisonment and fines, for violations.

The government generally invokes ESMA to prevent strikes in essential services such as transport, healthcare, drinking water and electricity that directly affect the public. The government is now planning to apply the same law to the proposed strike by 108 ambulance workers.