The Goan Network
Panjim
The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has taken cognisance of the complaint filed by the Goa wing of the Trained Nurses Association of India (TNAI) regarding the death of Mahesh Dessai (a nurse) while on duty at the Siolim Primary Health Center on January 11.
The Commission has issued an order calling president of the TNAI Goa branch, Kuntal Kerkar, for hearing in the case on March 7 at 11 am.
The order issued by the Commission to Kerkar states that she can appear in person or through an advocate.
In addition to filing a complaint with the GHRC, the TNAI had also written to the Health Minister, Health Secretary and Chief Secretary alleging that Dessai was facing harassment from the Health Officer of Siolim PHC and Raju Gawas, the administrative director of the Directorate of Health Services (DHS).
A source informed 'The Goan' that the executive committee members of the TNAI, as well as health workers of the Siolim PHC met the Health Secretary and Chief Secretary on Monday. Both are said to have assured the nurses that they would see to it that justice would prevail.
Following the death while on duty of Dessai, a 48-year-old male nurse at the Siolim PHC, the TNAI, of which Dessai was a member, had alleged that Dessai died due to work stress because of harassment.
In their complaint letter sent to GHRC, the Chief Secretary, Health Minister and Health Secretary, asking them to investigate Dessai’s death, Kerkar wrote, “I ask you to immediately investigate the above matter,” stating that Dessai had “expired on duty” after a massive heart attack as reported in his death certificate. It is reported by his colleagues that he was under “terrible stress” at the work place due to harassment.
Several memos had been issued to Dessai for not doing his duty. However, sources say there is a dearth of nurses across DHS centers, including the GMC.
While Nursing Council norms instruct that nurse to patient ratio should be 1:3, nurses have to tend to around 20 patients.
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