Massive Protest by Fishermen In Port Blair City Hampers Normal Life

 

Port Blair, Dec. 5: The fishermen community of Port Blair organised a massive protest in front of the Directorate of Health Services (DHS), A&N Administration, Port Blair on 4th Dec. 2013 after the death of a lady from their community at G.B. Pant Hospital. The lady named Padmawati was admitted at GB Pant Hospital and was detected with Apendicitis.

Late Padmawati, 35, W/o Joga Rao, R/o Junglighat was operated on 3rd Dec. 2013 after which she breathed her last while in a semi-conscious state. Alleging, the GB Pant Hospital for negligence, massive gathering of fishermen protested at the DHS and later in front of the Secretariat.

The fishermen demanded Rs. 5 Lakhs as compensation to the family of the deceased; Port Mortem Examination to be conducted by a medical board with doctors apart from those of the DHS; proper videography of the procedure followed during PME and a job to the next of kin of the deceased.

The Protest by the fishers continued till late evening after which it was decided to go for ‘Andaman Band’ on 5th Dec. 2013, supported by various political parties. The day started with not much of commotion inside Port Blair city. While most of the shops in Aberdeen Bazar and Junglighat remained closed till afternoon, normal live was restored in the city by evening.

A huge procession of fishermen today took out a rally which culminated at Secretariat, A&N Administration where the gathering sat on a dharna. Later in the afternoon, a delegation of 10 fishermen was called by the Chief Secretary and a meeting held for long. According to sources, it was decided in the meeting to hold a PME of the deceased by a Medical Board, which would include Doctors from INHS Dhanwantri. It was also decided that the Administration would pay a compensation of Rs. 1.5 Lakhs to the family of the deceased and assurance was given for a job to the child of the deceased.

The protest later ended in the evening today, in which it was decided to allow PME.  

Lt. Governor Condoles Death: The Hon’ble Lt Governor has expressed his sorrow on the death of Smti Puniyawati, W/o Shri Joga Rao, R/o Junglighat, last evening. He has expressed his deep condolences to the bereaved family.

Meanwhile, the Lt Governor has ordered an inquiry into the matter by Shri P. Jawahar, Deputy Commissioner (SA) to ascertain any lapse or lapses on the part of the Authorities, including the doctors and in case, there has been any lapse, appropriate action will be taken for this.

 

The Deputy Commissioner will be assisted by a medical team and the report shall be submitted to the Lt Governor within 3 days. Ex-gratia payment to the next of the kin of the deceased will also be considered.