the goan I network
VASCO
With growing number of cases being reported in Maharashtra, Karnataka and other states, there have been growing demands for thermal scanners at the Vasco railway station to check for passengers with symptoms of coronavirus.
Despite recent assurances by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane to have thermal scanners at the railway station, the Vasco station -- one of the major stations with several interstate trains travelling on a daily basis -- does not have a single thermal scanner till date to check for passengers arriving or departing from the Vasco railway station.
A growing number of residents feel that the absence of such measures could pose a serious threa.
Speaking to media, social activist Vikram Sarmalcar said Vascokars had taken a bold and historic decision to cancel the Shigmo float parade for the first time.
“The reason for the cancellation was the proximity of the venue of the Shigmo float parade to the Vasco railway station, which presently has no screening facilities.”
“Shocking as it may seem, there are absolutely no measures adopted at the Vasco railway station. The help desk is empty and there are no thermal machines despite assurances of the CM or health minister to have thermal scanners at the railway station.”
“This railway station brings in hundreds of passengers from various interstate trains. This railway station has multiple exits and people can easily move out even if they are infected with coronavirus, which has now spread within the country as well.”
“The chief minister must ensure that thermal scanners are placed at the railway station and should a medical unit at the station,” said Sarmalcar.
When contacted, Vasco Railway Station manager Ramdas Gudemane said the railways has been assured scanners by the health department, but the scanners were not provided as yet.
“As of now, we are having only 300-400 passengers in a day. There is no scanning facility here, but we need to have such facilities to curb the spread of coronavirus.
“If we find any suspect we will direct them to the health unit who will further refer them to GMC, if required. But we cannot find out if anyone is suspected with coronavirus symptoms because we don’t have scanners,” said Gudemane.
“As of now, we are sanitising trains during pit line maintenance. We have also stopped supplying blankets as of now in AC cabins due to the coronavirus fear. We are only providing bedsheets which are cleaned on a daily basis. Blankets take longer time to be washed and returned. As of now, we can only say that scanning may start shortly at the station,” said Gudemane.
