Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Jul 23: Gangadhar, who owns and operates Sri Ganesh Ambulance Service, has expressed frustration at the fact that he and his staff have been providing ambulance service for transporting bodies of COVID victims from the district, but that in spite of facing risks, their services are not being respected, and they have not got any financial aid nor the staff involved have any protection.
"Initially I had provided my ambulance to transport mortal remains of four persons who had died of coronavirus infection. Thereafter, I was invited to the office of the deputy commissioner where I was requested to provide ambulance service on a regular basis. On humanitarian grounds, I agreed. Now there is no one to pay heed to our problems. We are called whenever our services are needed to transport lifeless bodies," he explained.
He said that for the transportation of each body, two ambulances have to be sent and that per trip, a charge of Rs 1,000 has been fixed. He revealed that so far, he has transported more than 80 bodies but he has not been paid anything. He also expressed his disappointment at the fact that his request to bring ambulance drivers and other staff under the ambit of COVID warriors insurance coverage so that they are eligible for financial assistance and insurance if they fall ill, has not been met.
"Our staff have small children and they work for the good of society. When shifting bodies from private hospitals, no one accompanies them. On Tuesday, our staff carried a body for 200 metres on their own. Sometimes they have cremated bodies in the graveyard at midnight. There is no one to listen to our problems. On what guarantee can I send my staff for such works," Gangadhar wondered.
He accused the officials of making repeated calls to him whenever someone dies. At the same time, he said he is disappointed at the fact that proper facilities have not been extended to ambulance staff and no steps to build their confidence and moral courage have been taken so far.