IDPD expresses concern over health of protesting farmers 

Ludhiana: In a letter to the Prime Minister the IDPD has requested for immediate healthcare to the protesting farmers at Singhu, Tikri and other borders. In the letter they have said that IDPD has been providing medical aid at the times of natural calamities as well as during mass gatherings. Our teams had gone medical aid during floods in Uttarakhand, Kashmir, Bihar, Kerala and other places in the country. We also provided medical aid during the earth quake in Nepal. In the same spirit we have organized medical aid for the farmers at Singhu and Tikri borders. Since the gathering is very large, the people are fraught with the threat of several diseases. As the winter has already set in, many common diseases that we encountered include Respiratory Tract infections, stomach problems, diarrhea, hyperacidity, high blood pressure, cardiac problems, diabetes and skin problems etc. The respiratory problems are likely to increase with the increase in the chill. Moreover Poor hygienic conditions can add to further health problems for the people.  

Giving this information here today, the IDPD senior vice president Dr Arun Mitra added that it is therefore important that the people are ensured 24 hours emergency health services. There is also need for preventive measures including for COVID-19, tuberculosis and other respiratory diseases. Even though the non government organisations are doing their best to give medical aid to the people but that is not sufficient. Ironically there is not a single health care camp in that area by the government. 
 
In the interests of the health of the people it is important to ensure Health care to be provided by the state by holding medical camps at the site; The government should open a mini hospital with 24 hours services at various protest sites; Install toilet facilities With 24 hours cleaning services and intensive disinfectant sprays by the government.   
 
It appears that if the impasse continues the health condition may get worse. Already 38 people have died. Since the farmers have concerns about the new laws, in the interest of the health of the people it would be best to repeal these laws so that the farmers can go back and then further discussion can be held on the reforms in the agriculture. /(December 18, 2020)