The state government has imposed Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) on striking employees of 108 ambulance service employees in four districts, to prevent any disruption in services.

The four districts include Sirmaur, Shimla, Solan and Chamba.

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The action came following the strike by the GVK 108 ambulance services employees on Wednesday entered the third day over some demands.

Health Minister Vipin Singh Parmar said that the employees of 108 ambulance services run by GVK were on strike only in the four districts, while in the rest of the eight districts the ambulance services are running smoothly.

“In the interest of the public, so as to ensure that the public do not suffer and the ambulance services run smoothly, the state government has imposed ESMA,” he said.

Mission Director, National Health Mission Director, Himachal, Pankaj Rai had held talks with the striking employees, who also met the Chief Minister and had decided to call off the strike, he said, adding that the state government has even asked the GVK to sort out the issues. However, despite all this the employees still went on strike today morning, he added.