Uttarkashi Rescue: How Medical Team Ensures Psychological Well-Being Of Trapped Workers

In the ongoing Sikyara tunnel rescue, family members provide emotional support to the 41 trapped workers through a communication system. Meanwhile, doctors counsel the workers, ensuring regular meals and essential supplies.

Rescue operation underway to extract 41 workers trapped inside the Silkyara Tunnel, in Uttarkashi district ( Image Source :PTI )

In the ongoing rescue operation at the Sikyara tunnel, where 41 workers have been trapped for the past 15 days, family members are providing emotional support through a mic system that allows communication through a pipe. Despite the hurdles in the drilling process causing delays, family members, as well as a team of doctors and psychiatrists, remain dedicated to keeping the trapped workers motivated, news agency PTI reported.

Naiiyar Ahmad, the brother of one of the trapped workers, Saba Ahmad, told PTI, "We keep motivating him. We never talk about the difficulties and hurdles but tell them that they will come out soon. The workers are doing fine as they get almost every essential item inside." Family members can talk to the trapped workers at any time, with an administration-set camp for kin outside the tunnel.

The rescue operation started soon after the collapse on November 12 but has faced several obstacles in drilling. Doctors and psychiatrists counsel the trapped workers twice a day, with additional standby doctors in Uttarkashi.

Dr. Bimlesh Joshi, the nodal officer of the medical team, informed that "The psychiatrists and doctors are constantly in touch with the family members and keep counselling them as and when required so that they do not say something which can make any negative impact on the minds of the trapped workers", as quoted by PTI.

Uttarkashi Rescue: Trapped Workers Receiving Proper Meals, Essential Items

Dr. Prem Pokhriyal, a senior doctor, highlighted the medical care provided, including regular examinations and a supply of proper meals and other essentials.

"Initially, we gave them juices and energy drinks. But now they are getting proper meals. In the morning, we send boiled eggs, milk, tea, and dalia and for lunch and dinner, they get dal, rice, chapati, and subji. Disposable plates have been given to them," he informed.

"To keep them hydrated, I told them to drink ORS powder, which is already sent. Eye drops, vitamin tablets, and other energy drinks have also been sent to them," he added, also mentioning that a lot of stock of dry fruits and biscuits have also been given.

The trapped workers also receive toothpaste, brushes, towels, clothes, undergarments, mobile phones with movies and video games, and more, PTI reported an official as informing.

Dr. Pokhriyal mentioned that he speaks to them daily and described the workers' routine in the two-kilometre stretch where they are trapped. The temperature, ranging between 22 to 24 degrees Celsius, doesn't necessitate woollen clothes, he said. The trapped workers are provided with an around-the-clock electricity supply and the space also allows for activities like yoga, exercise, and walks.

Despite the challenging circumstances, efforts are ongoing to ensure the physical and mental well-being of the trapped workers until the successful conclusion of the rescue operation.

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