In Punjab, rescuers left waiting for Covid-19 allowance

Punjab CM Usman Buzdar had promised to compensate workers handling virus patients

RAWALPINDI:

The undaunted frontline workers of Rescue 1122 who performed the risky duties of shifting coronavirus patients to the healthcare facilities are still holding on for the promised special allowances, The Express Tribune learned.

At the peak of the pandemic, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar had approved special allowances for Rescue-1122 staff equal to their basic pay and martyr-package of Rs4 million if any of the staff members died of coronavirus in the line of duty.

Subsequently, the department had sent the names of over 1,500 rescuers who had been tasked with hauling infected or suspected patients of Covid-19 during the virus peak. However, there was no word on payment of the promised compensation and the rescuers have become disappointed now, said high-level officials of Rescue 1122 requesting anonymity.

The officials said that the Rescue 1122 formed special squads which remained operational round the clock in three shifts. They said that the names of over 1,500 rescue workers across Punjab were sent to the Punjab government a month ago. All these rescuers were those tasked to move coronavirus infected and suspected patients to the hospitals and isolation centres. Although they were provided special ambulances and safety kits for protection against the highly contagious virus, dozens of rescue workers contracted the virus and their families suffered too.

They added that the Punjab government has not fulfilled its commitment thus far.

Now, they expressed that the workers have become disappointed about not being rewarded for the sheer display of enthusiasm and commitment to their duties during the pandemic's peak in the province. They are desperately seeking government’s attention, the officials said. The Express Tribune also learned that the related rescuers keep inquiring about the incentives from their bosses every day but they are asked to wait. The situation has raised concerns and spread disappointment among the frontline workers.

As per newspaper reports, CM Usman Buzdar had approved an allowance for Rescue-1122 staff and a martyred package for them if any of the staff dies of coronavirus in the line of duty. A notification had also been issued in this regard.

He had said that the allowance would be paid from April 1 equal to the basic pay. Officers and staff members of Rescue-1122 being deputed would continue to receive the special allowance until eradication of the coronavirus pandemic, he had assured. However, one the pandemic risk reduced, the government forgot its promises.