Yashodhara V Bangera
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jul 29: The Beedi Workers Welfare Fund Hospital that has been functioning in Moodbidri since the last three decades is in a very bad state. The hospital does have some basic facilities, but there is no proper demand for them. At the same time, some advanced facilities which the beedi workers are in need of, are absent. This hospital, which is under the central government, itself is in need of some treatments in the form of improvement in facilities.

This hospital is located just two km away from the central part of this town, and is functioning there since the last 30 years. It has been serving the beedi workers of the region. Still, most are not aware about the existence of this hospital. This hospital stands by the side of the old court building on the road leading to Mahaveer College from here. As the hospital does not have its own building, it continues to function from rented premises.

As per the information provided by the medical officer of the hospital, on an average, 40 workers visit the hospital for treatment everyday. He says that four days in a week except on Mondays and Saturdays, mobile hospital unit conducts door to door visits of workers spread over rural areas. '14,000 beedi workers hold health cards. At present, five persons including medical officer, nurse, and vehicle driver, work at this hospital. The patients visiting the hospital get medicines and other facilities they need,' he explains.

Ramani, zonal general secretary of Centre of Indian Trade Unions, feels that this hospital needs to undergo lot of improvements to be of some use to beedi workers. 'Although the hospital can handle minor ailments, it does not have facilities for major diseases like heart ailment. As a result, these workers are compelled to seek treatment from other hospitals. Although our organization has provided details about this hospital and advised beedi workers to avail themselves of facilities here, many dither from getting themselves treated here because of lack of facilities. Unless suitable action is undertaken by the concerned, the hospital is bound to suffer further,' she explained.

Ramani, who also happens to be a municipal councillor, notes that weeds and shrubs have grown in the hospital compound, where possibility of existence of snakes and crabs creates a scare. She has discussed the issue of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in the hospital surroundings with municipal president, Roopa S Shetty. She also feels that the hospital needs advanced facilities and other improvements, besides its own building, to be able to serve beedi workers in a better way.