Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 01 December 2023
The Chairman of the ANTCC Campaign Committee, Mr. TSG Bhasker, has made a fervent plea to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor of A&N Islands. In a letter, Bhasker urged the immediate re-employment of nursing staff who valiantly served during the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The missive highlighted the extraordinary measures taken by the Health Department, recruiting approximately 111 personnel under emergency provisions. These recruits encompassed vital roles like Nursing Officers, ANMs, Ward Attendants, Ayahs, and Safai Karmacharis to tackle the crisis triggered by the pandemic. While initially employed by the NHRM from May 2020 to December 2020, their services continued under contract with the DHS from March 2021 until the present.
Expressing concern, Bhasker emphasized that a significant number of these dedicated individuals had surpassed the age limit for applying to regular posts within the Department. He underscored their unwavering commitment, often living apart from their families to serve the Islanders profoundly affected by the pandemic.
Detailing the financial remuneration, Bhasker revealed that despite the trying conditions and the challenging environments in locations like Car Nicobar, Kamorta, Teressa, and Hutbay, these frontline workers received consolidated pay of Rs. 16,000 for Nursing Officers, Rs. 13,000 for ANMs, and Rs. 12,000 for Ayahs, Safai Karmacharis, and Ward Attendants.
However, their tenure faced a sudden halt post-September 2023, leaving them without pay. Despite this, they continued their service without pay to mitigate the impact on patients due to the acute staff shortage.
In a bid to alleviate their plight, Bhasker implored the Hon’ble Lt. Governor to consider filling the vacant positions at ANIIMS with these dedicated workers, thus ensuring their families’ livelihoods.
Highlighting directives from the Central Government, Bhasker pointed out guidelines urging Health Departments across states and Union Territories to favourably consider candidates who rendered service during the pandemic. The guidelines recommended preference in regular appointments, accompanied by additional marks for the period of their exemplary service.
In conclusion, Bhasker appealed to the Hon’ble Lt. Governor to contemplate the re-employment of these exceptional individuals, acknowledging their immense sacrifice during the pandemic, even if it necessitates a contractual arrangement, thereby enabling them to provide for their families.