Sri Vijaya Puram, July 05: Mr. Angshuman Roy, State Youth President of Hindu Rashtra Shakti (HRS), has urged the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to immediately arrange medical air evacuation, provide free treatment and sanction adequate compensation for the victims of the recent State Transport Service (STS) bus accident at Rangat.
In a representation addressed to the Member of Parliament, the Lieutenant Governor, the Chief Secretary, Deputy Commissioner (South Andaman), Secretary (Transport), Secretary (Health), Director of Health Services, Public Grievance Officer (DHS) and Assistant Secretary (AR Wing), Mr. Roy expressed deep concern over the plight of the injured passengers, particularly Mr. Prakash Roy (59), a poor private worker and the sole earning member of his family, who sustained a severe hip fracture in the accident and has been referred to a mainland hospital for specialized treatment.
Mr. Roy stated that due to the patient’s critical medical condition, travelling on a commercial flight is not feasible and has requested the Administration to arrange an air ambulance or any other medically suitable air evacuation without delay. He further suggested that the expenditure for the evacuation may be borne by the Transport Department or met through the Lieutenant Governor’s Relief Fund, the National Disaster Response Fund, or any other appropriate government relief mechanism on humanitarian grounds.
Highlighting that the accident involved a State Transport Service bus, Mr. Roy emphasized that it is both the moral and administrative responsibility of the Administration to ensure that all injured passengers receive completely free medical treatment, including surgery, medicines, diagnostic investigations, travel, accommodation, rehabilitation and all related medical expenses, without imposing any financial burden on the affected families.
He also appealed to the Administration to sanction adequate ex-gratia compensation for every injured passenger admitted to hospital. Referring to similar relief measures provided by several States and Union Territories in cases of road and public transport accidents, Mr. Roy expressed concern that no compensation or financial assistance has yet been announced for the victims of the Rangat STS bus accident.
Reiterating his appeal, Mr. Roy requested the Administration to ensure the immediate air evacuation of Mr. Prakash Roy along with one attendant, stating that transportation by ship is medically unsafe due to the patient’s severe hip fracture, unbearable pain, inability to sit or move, prolonged travel time and the risk of further complications. Mr. Roy expressed hope that the authorities would take prompt and compassionate action in the interest of the accident victims.
