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Stating that long-term health concerns of a terror attack survivor present a major impediment in the recovery process,the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) has proposed to the state health department that a robust support mechanism,which includes a comprehensive health scheme and a temporary disability certificate,be made available to the victims immediately after such incidents occur.
Representatives from TISS,who have been working closely with 26/11 victims as well as survivors of the 13/7 blasts,met officials from the public health department recently. The issues that we observed during our work with 26/11 victims are difficulty for migrants in continuation of treatment in Mumbai,heavy expenditure incurred by patients for a range of hospitalisation-related services,expenses for medication and follow-up treatment after discharge,besides expenses incurred on travel and lodging for outstation patients, said Jacquleen Joseph,associate professor,TISS.
A major issue raised by TISS representatives was undue delay in issuing disability certificates,leading to victims being denied free transportation services. They said while the certificates are issued by a team of doctors constituted for the same,concerns still persist. Most survivors are unaware of the facility,but the process is not facilitated,the representatives said.
TISS representatives suggested that a temporary disability certificate be issued to the victims immediately,giving them access to some facilities. Well ask the collector to compile a list of 13/7 survivors and the competent authority to expedite the matter. Weve asked a health expert to conduct a study, said a public health department official.
A report with proposed solutions has been submitted to the state. It asks the state to review the compensation component. Hospitalisation and recovery process imply loss of income for the victim. Several families of 26/11 survivors had to procure loans to run the household, said the report. Alternative support mechanisms in terms of housing,educational/health support and job opportunities for the family or survivor have to be worked out, the report said.
Health department officials said they would discuss key concerns and an action plan in the second meeting scheduled either by December-end or January.
We are organising a workshop on January 17 where government officials,NGOs and survivors can discuss the problems at hand, Joseph said.
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