Acknowledging the social, psychological and emotional trauma faced by migrant communities owing to the national lockdown that has been imposed to fight the deadly Coronavirus, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday has issued a set of guidelines to provide migrant workers with psycho-social support in the present crisis situation.
Here’s what the Health Ministry has asked all stakeholders to do:
1. Treat every migrant worker with respect, dignity and compassion.
2. Listen to their grievances patiently and compassionately.
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3. There is no generalization and it is important to recognize each person/family’s concerns separately.
4. Assure them that this is a temporary lockdown and normal life will resume soon.
5. Be prepared with all information sources and help them understand the assistance being provided by the Centre, State and District authorities.
6. Emphasize on the need to stay in their present location and how mass movement will assist in the spread of this virus.
7. Make them understand their importance in the society and their contributions to the economic development of this country.
8. Remind them that they have made the place and deserve all the respect.
9. Assure them that even if their employer fails them, the local administration and NGO’s will help them.
10. Out of desperation, some may appear to be insulting. Important to be empathetic and deal with the situation in a calm manner.
11. If someone is scared of getting affected, assure them that the disease is curable.
12. Remind them that it is better for their families, if they stay away from them.
13. Gain their trust to win over the present situation.
The Ministry has also advised authorities to provide facilities to call/video call for the migrant community if they are quarantined.