Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 31 December 2024
Hindu Rashtra Shakti (HRS) has raised serious concerns about the transportation of stretcher patients following the recent changes in the Sri Vijaya Puram to Chennai flight service operated by Air India. In a press conference held on 30th December 2024, the organization warned the Government, local administration, and the public about the challenges that Islanders, particularly those requiring stretcher transport, may face in light of Air India’s decision to transfer its operations to Air India Express on Sri Vijaya Puram – Chennai Route.
In a significant restructuring move, Air India Group announced on 1st October 2024 that it had completed the operational integration and legal merger of its low-cost carriers, Air India Express Ltd and AIX Connect Pvt Ltd (formerly AirAsia India), into a larger low-cost carrier network. This decision later resulted in Air India ceasing its operations on the Sri Vijaya Puram – Chennai route, a vital lifeline for many Islanders who rely on air travel for essential medical care. As a result, Air India Express now handles this crucial route, with significant implications for passengers requiring stretcher transport.
Mr. Anshuman Roy, State Youth President of Hindu Rashtra Shakti, shared grave concerns about the changes, specifically regarding the transportation of stretcher patients from Sri Vijaya Puram to Chennai. Under Air India’s previous system, the fixed cost for transporting a stretcher patient was Rs. 2,42,000. While this price was admittedly high, Mr. Roy explained that it provided Islanders with the assurance of a fixed rate, which was critical for families facing medical emergencies.
Moreover, Air India also had a manual booking process for stretcher patients in addition to the online process, where the airline staff at the local airport would personally assist families in arranging transportation. According to Mr. Roy, this local process was both quick and empathetic. The staff, understanding the urgency of the situation, ensured that the necessary arrangements were made swiftly, often within hours, so patients could be transported by the next available flight to Chennai for further medical treatment.
With Air India Express now managing the route, Mr. Roy outlined several issues that are likely to burden families in need of stretcher transport. Firstly, the cost of transporting a stretcher patient is no longer fixed. Instead, it is subject to fluctuation based on the prevailing price of nine seats on the flight, in addition to other charges. Mr. Roy warned that the new pricing structure could result in costs exceeding the previous Rs. 2,42,000, making it unaffordable for many families, especially in emergency situations.
Furthermore, he highlighted the major change in the booking process. Unlike Air India’s manual system, Air India Express requires families to book stretcher transport through an online process, with communication occurring via call centres and email. This online process necessitates a minimum lead time of 72 hours before the flight, which may not be feasible in emergency situations where time is of the essence. Mr. Roy expressed concern that in urgent medical cases, the lack of local support to facilitate the booking process could lead to delays, leaving patients without necessary transportation for critical care in Chennai.
In light of these challenges, Mr. Roy made an urgent appeal to the Central Government , A&N Administration and local leaders to address the situation. He called for the establishment of a system that allows local booking for stretcher patient transportation at Sri Vijaya Puram, ensuring that this service is available with all airlines operating on the route, including Air India Express. Additionally, he emphasised the need for a capped cost for stretcher transport to prevent exorbitant prices from becoming a barrier to medical care.
Hindu Rashtra Shakti leader also stressed the critical importance of these steps, given that advanced healthcare facilities are limited in the Islands. Many Islanders rely on transportation to Chennai for surgeries, specialised treatments, and other medical care not available locally. Without a reliable and affordable system for transporting stretcher patients, these Islanders may face unnecessary hardship during health crises.
The transportation of stretcher patients from Sri Vijaya Puram to Chennai is a vital service for the Islanders, and the recent changes in the flight operations have raised alarms about accessibility, affordability, and efficiency. As the situation stands, there is a pressing need for the Central Government, the local administration, and airlines to come together and implement a system that ensures affordable, accessible, and timely transportation for patients in need of emergency care.
Hindu Rashtra Shakti has called for immediate intervention, urging all concerned authorities to address these issues and prevent the healthcare and transportation crisis that looms for stretcher patients on the Sri Vijaya Puram – Chennai route.