Team Herald
MARGAO: The Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI) on Saturday urged the Central government to inoculate seafarers with the COVID-19 vaccine on priority basis without considering any age limit.
Since the government has declared seafarers as the key workers, the association urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Harsh Vardhan, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane to inoculate seafarers with COVID-19 vaccine on priority basis.
“As 90 per cent of global goods come into the country via global shipping industry, a sector invisible to most of us and throughout COVID-19 pandemic the seafarers have faced difficulties in working conditions including uncertainties about port access, stores, supply crew change over and repatriation,” said Frank Viegas, president of GSAI.
"In view of this crisis, the International Maritime Organisation has drawn the attention of member States to designate seafarers as key workers providing essential services to the nation,” he pointed out.