New Delhi: The Jharkhand government has taken a significant decision regarding the students who have been protesting continuously in Ranchi for 16 days. The government has directed that if any student falls ill during the protest, they will receive free medical treatment. Instructions have been issued to all government and private hospitals in the state to provide this treatment free of cost.
If a protesting student undergoes treatment at a private hospital due to illness, the state government will bear the entire cost. This move by the state government is being viewed positively amidst the ongoing agitation. While there have been discussions between the government and the protesters, no consensus has been reached on the terms yet. This major decision by the state government comes amidst ongoing efforts to find common ground.
What the Jharkhand Health Minister said
Jharkhand Health Minister Dr Irfan Ansari has issued a significant directive regarding the health of the protesting students. Issuing orders to all government and private hospitals in the state, the Health Minister stated that if any student falls ill and requires hospitalisation during the protest, they will receive quality medical treatment free of charge.
Not a single rupee will be charged to the protesting students for medicines. The state government will cover the necessary treatment expenses from its own funds. Instructions to this effect have been issued to designated private hospitals and all government hospitals.
Instructions issued to all hospitals
The Health Minister has also pledged to provide all possible assistance personally. He directed all hospitals to ensure that protesting students are not denied treatment under any circumstances and that immediate care is provided based on their condition.
Furthermore, the Health Minister acknowledged that the students are agitating day and night for their rights and demands. Instructions have been issued to deploy medical teams to handle any potential medical emergencies at the protest site. Additionally, the Health Department will continuously monitor their health status.
Minister makes an emotional appeal.
Making an emotional appeal, the Health Minister said, “The agitating youth are like my own children. Your pain is my pain.” “I do not want any of my children to risk their lives while fighting for their rights. After all, if there is life, there is everything. All your demands will be heard seriously. Moreover, we have been given this body and this life only once; please do not gamble with your lives.”
