Physios arrive, rest unchanged

MiD DAY had exposed the shortage of medical workers and equipment at the venue yesterday

The wait for the Commonwealth Games is almost over, but deadlines are still being set and missed ritualistically. A day after MiD DAY highlighted the dearth of healthcare workers and equipment at the Games Village, five physiotherapists showed up at the venue. But that's nearly not enough.


Leg Up: Members of the Nigerian team at a practice session in the
Commonwealth Games Village.u00a0 PIC/Imtiyaz

Three ambulances had been authorised for the Games Village - two for the polyclinic and one for the training venue. But since one of the vehicles failed to get accreditation, workers at the training centre are now using one of the ambulances from the polyclinic.

"As the third ambulance did not get the accreditation card, we called the emergency helpline number 102. Finally, one of the vehicles present at the polyclinic came to our rescue," said a senior official from the training venue inside the Games Village.

And while physiotherapists have arrived, stretcher-bearers are missing from the venue.

"We have got five physiotherapists now but stretcher-bearers are still not available to us," said another health official present at the Games Village.

When MiD DAY had contacted Delhi Health Minister Dr Kiran Walia on Monday, she had feigned ignorance on the issue.

"I have just checked the polyclinic inside the Village. It has two physiotherapists but I will have to check the training venues. If they are not available, I will make sure that they will be made available by tomorrow," said Dr Walia.