‘Avoid emotional talk’: Doctors tutor kin to keep men in high spirits | India News

DEHRADUN:

Among those crowded outside the Silkyara tunnel with 41 workers trapped inside are doctors and a range of medical experts. And with each passing day, as the wait for rescue gets longer, their work is getting tougher and more complicated.
One of them told TOI, “Our mission has over the days taken different forms. Now we are coaching families on the art of communication.We are basically advising them what to tell their kin who are trapped inside, what topics to discuss. But more importantly, what not to say.”

He added: “Emotional conversations are discouraged, as they can potentially shatter the stoicism these workers have shown during their time inside. Our goal is to maintain the hope of a safe evacuation.”
As those inside the tunnel say they are getting restless and despondent, the team of doctors camping at the site have been telling them time and again not to lose hope. Dr RCS Panwar, chief medical officer of Uttarkashi, said, “But it isn’t just doctors, NDRF, SDRF, state officials, are also engaging with the workers regularly to provide motivation.”

The medical team is not just extending support to the trapped workers

, they have begun to offer counselling services to their family members too. “They are equally in the doldrums. It is painful to see them just stand there in front of the tunnel, waiting for one positive word to come out,” said a doctor. “We can’t even begin to imagine their misery.”
In addition to tips on mental fortitude, the workers are getting lessons on hygiene.