Over 600 Covid warriors who helped doctors and nurses at government hospitals manage patients suffering from the coronavirus disease have not had their contract with the health department renewed from September 1.
Of the 600-odd, around 60 were deployed in Kolkata.
The Covid warriors have survived Covid themselves and lent a hand to the state’s health team, which was struggling to cope with the surge of patients during the first wave last year.
Officials at Swasthya Bhavan said that since cases were on the decline and the hospitals were equipped to handle the load, the service of the Covid warriors was not required immediately. They will be called in if there is a fresh surge in cases.
“Covid warriors were of great help during the first two phases of Covid infection. Since the patient load is relatively less now, most hospitals can manage by themselves,” said an official.
Covid warriors were appointed in various medical colleges and hospitals following an initiative by chief minister Mamata Banerjee in June last year. In March, the health department had renewed the contract for two months. In June, the contract was further extended for three months, till August 31.
Several doctors said the Covid warriors had been of great help at a time the fear of contracting the disease had gripped a section of the health staff.
“These Covid warriors used to bear most of the workload. Being contractual, they were serious about their job. They were also fearless to a large extent,” said a doctor of Beleghata ID Hospital.
In Kolkata, arrangements were made for their accommodation at Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
Each warrior received Rs 15,000 a month for the service rendered: walking Covid patients to the washroom and back, helping them take food and ensuring they get to speak to their family members over the phone.
“Doctors and nurses taught us how to monitor blood pressure and other vitals and collect blood samples for various tests,” said Khudu Sk, a Covid warrior from Murshidabad.
“I don't know what to do now,” said Khudu, who was a labourer in Mumbai till the pandemic and the lockdown forced him to return home.