Passengers have complained about the negligence of launch staff in providing first aid when someone falls ill during the journey. Investigations reveal that a significant number of launches lack any provisions for first aid, and even those that claim to have such systems in place prove to be ineffective.
The required medications and equipment are often unavailable, and in cases where they are present, they are frequently expired. As a result, passengers on launches endure constant suffering, particularly those traveling long distances by river.
According to guidelines set by the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), it is mandatory for every launch to have a first aid kit on board to ensure passenger safety.
However, launch owners have seemingly disregarded the importance of having a functioning first aid system in order to obtain the necessary certification.
Allegations suggest that the BIWTA is limited to merely issuing instructions and fails to monitor whether the first aid systems are consistently maintained or if the launches are equipped with the necessary medications and medical equipment.
Out of the 22 launches, including Prince Awlad, Sundarban 12, Sundarban 16, Parabat, Manami, Surovi-7, Kajal-7, Pubali-12, Bogdadiya-7, and Mitali-5, only six launches are equipped with first aid facilities.
Unfortunately, even the launches with first aid kits suffer from a shortage of essential medicines, with those available being of questionable quality. In some cases, the medications are even expired.
Passengers suffering
Rebeka Khatun, a regular traveler on the Surovi-7 launch from Barisal to Dhaka, frequently visits Dhaka to see her children; she has been traveling back and forth for the past 15 years.
However, she lamented the absence of first aid facilities on recent journeys.
Rebeka said: "In the last two or three years, I haven't seen any first aid provisions on the launch. Whenever I request medicine for chest pain or a headache during the journey, the launch staff informs me that they have run out of medicine. In some cases, passengers carry their own medications, but the necessary ones are often missing.
"I speak from personal experience. Moreover, the medicines available on the launches do not meet quality standards, and many lack expiration dates," she added.
Another passenger, Monirul Islam, sheds light on the prevalent suffering experienced by fellow travelers during their journeys. Common ailments such as abdominal pain, chest pain, headaches, and gastric issues often go unattended due to the lack of a proper healthcare system on the launches. Despite the signage proclaiming the presence of first aid boxes, the reality paints a different picture.
Monirul, a passenger, said: "It is evident that when asked about initial treatment, one staff member refers to another, claiming ignorance. They are unable to even locate the first aid box. The attitude of most staff members towards passenger care is similarly negligent."
Mushfiq Abrar, a passenger of Sundarban-16, said: "Each launch carries hundreds of passengers. Even if hiring a doctor is not feasible, the maintenance of a well-equipped first aid system should be a priority. This would ensure that passengers can receive necessary first aid when needed.
"Previously, this launch had a Critical Care Unit (CCU). However, the availability of proper first aid has dwindled. The CCU room remains closed at all times, with no medical services provided. Only one room is left, where the launch staff sleeps," he also said.
What launch staff say?
Md Ismail, Sundarban-16 supervisor, explained the current situation, saying: "We used to have comprehensive arrangements for providing first aid on our launch, including a CCU room. However, as a result of the Padma Bridge, critical patients now primarily choose to travel by road in ambulances. This has led to a decrease in the number of patients seeking medical assistance on the launch. Consequently, the CCU room is now empty. However, a first aid box is available to address any sudden issues that may arise."
Manami launch staff Tariqul Islam said: "First aid provisions should be available on every launch. Even we, the staff, sometimes fall ill during our duties, and there is nothing we can do about it. The lack of regular medications on the launch causes passengers to suffer. However, we do have Napa tablets and Ursaline, and there might be a few bandaging supplies."
He also mentioned that in the case of any major health issue among the staff during a journey, they have to wait until returning to Dhaka for proper treatment, often seeking medical attention at the National Hospital.
What authorities say?
Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) Director (Administration & Human Resources) Qazi Wakil Nawaz said: "We have issued instructions for all launches to have first aid facilities, including life-saving medications and equipment. This condition must be fulfilled prior to launching a new launch in the river. If a long-range launch lacks adequate first aid provisions, we will take necessary actions against them."
He further assured those measures would be implemented promptly to ensure the availability of first aid on all launches.
