Unavailability of transport affects healthcare workers

A REPORTER

SHILLONG: The Thma U Rangli-Juki (TUR) has sought the immediate intervention of the district administration into the transport unavailability for healthcare workers even as it suggested the need to organize a carpooling system to address the problem.

In a complaint to East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Isawanda Laloo on Friday, TUR leader Angela Rangad informed that healthcare workers are experiencing great difficulty commuting to work and back.

Limited and non-existent public transport has meant they walk to work and back home tired after long stressful hours of work which includes COVID related duties.

Some live at least 3-4 km away, and the rain has made matters worse. This is also a safety concern, especially for women healthcare workers.

She also alleged that their places of work barring some are not providing transport, such as Nazareth Hospital, Shillong.

"While we may mouth platitudes about supporting healthcare workers, our inability to secure a very basic need of transport will further alienate them and contribute towards us losing our battle with the virus," Rangad said.

According to her, it will be insensitive and inept to expect them to organize for their transport and that passes will be facilitated by the district administration.

She suggested that booking vehicles will further add to their financial woes, and is not an easy proposition especially for healthcare workers at this time of a pandemic.

"Hence, it would be best if the State government organizes a carpooling system and coordinates timings and points for pick up and drop off or ensure that the private hospitals take care of their staff and at least ensure transportation for them," Rangad said while requesting the DC to ensure the matter is resolved at the earliest.

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