Aurangabad, Nov 5:
The sanitary workers, appointed by District Civil Hospital (DCH), to upkeep the hospital campus and patients during Covid-19 pandemic situation, grieved of becoming jobless, as the hospital administration suddenly discontinued their services without paying their wages of last three months. These health workers are worried as the Diwali festival is around the corner.
It may be noted that DCH was the only hospital treating Coronavirus infected patients when there was spread of ailment in the district. The admission of Covid-19 patients was made in large numbers, while the existing staff was falling short in handling the rush and maintaining the hospital. As a result, the DCH recruited sanitary workers (Swachata Sevaks) on a daily wage basis, who were working on the premises for the past seven months.
These workers were performing responsibilities like cleaning of the hospital as well as the cleanliness patients and their rooms. Initially, these workers got wages in the first three months, but for the past three or more months, they were deprived of wages. In the hope of getting wages soon, these 52 workers continue to render their services.
However, on Wednesday, the workers were stopped from entering the premises at the gate. They were informed that the DCH had discontinued their services. As a result, the workers met the DCH civil surgeon, Dr Sunder Kulkarni, on Thursday and urged him to release the wages and allow them to continue their job.
The additional civil surgeon Dr Kamlakar Mudkhedkar said, " The administration will release the wages of these workers. We will also be taking them back on duties after seeking administrative approval."
Meanwhile, a notice is posted for these employees on the hospital campus. It read that due to the absence of funds, the National Health Mission (NHM) would not be granting funds to these daily wage workers. There is no availability of funds under the head of ''labourer''. This is the reason why DCH is unable to hire their services, stated the notice.