Another life changing procedure at a city hospital

Like Biswajeet and Kangal, there are eight other underprivileged youngsters who can now think of bringing their shattered life back on track and fulfil their long nurtured dreams.

These ten youngsters, within the age group of 20 to 22, will be the first batch of the trained technicians of the Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) and could now earn between Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 per month.

Thanks to the Corporate Social Responsibility policy adopted by the Apollo Gleneagles and a module devised by the Sparsh Foundation — a non-government organisation — these six boys and four girls have something to cheer about. All these youngsters hailing from underprivileged families were chosen by the hospital for a free one-year training programme.

Now they are ready to work and earn.

"We have spoken to various nursing homes and all the students have already been employed," said Suman Bhowmik, secretary of the Sparsh Foundation.

There never existed a systematic programme for training CSSD technicians. Science graduates were recruited by hospitals and trained internally.

"There is a dearth of technicians with a growing number of hospitals. Though these trainees have never been to college they have picked up well and four of them will be absorbed into our organisation," said Tapan Kumar Das, Manager CSSD Apollo Gleneagles.

During the training, the students are taught to disinfect, package, marking batch and various processes of sterilisation. Most of the trainees aspire to excel and get a diploma after working for some time.

The one-year programme has completely changed the life of these youths.

"I work very hard to ensure that my brother can attend college and make it big in life," said Biswajeet.

Reena Digga of Liluah, who had lost her parents a few years back said she would continue to study hard so that she would not be a burden on her brother.

"I hope to apply for a diploma once I have gained some experience," says Reena.

Even after concerted efforts, the course has not been able to get affiliation from the West Bengal Council of Technical Education.