Jajpur, May 27: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik today launched the ‘dial 108 emergency service’ under the Odisha Emergency Medical Ambulance Service (OEMAS) in the district.

Under this scheme, anyone can dial toll free number 108 to avail of ambulance services.

The chief minister’s visit here was marred by the arrest of nearly 100 Congress activists, just a few metres away from the venue of the function, as they were planning to show black flags to Naveen to protest against “the all-round failure of the BJD government”.

The demonstrators led by the District Congress Committee marched towards the venue when police stopped them. They were later released on personal bonds.

Naveen dedicated 14 ambulances under OEMAS to the district.

“The project will provide support and assistance needed to ensure availability of emergency services across the district,” he said. Before his speech, hundreds of Accredited Social Health Activists (Asha), who were present at the meeting stood up demanding a pay hike. Naveen called them to the dais. Later, a delegation of Asha met the chief minister and handed over a memorandum demanding a pay hike.

“We have demanding a pay hike. The chief minister has promised on many occasions to fulfil our demands. But, nothing has come out of it yet. He should first meet our demands and then inaugurate the ambulance service,” said Santoshini, an Asha worker.