Shillong, Aug 18: The Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS) and members of the Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association (MCTODA) held a meeting today following questions and requests for clarification raised by several truck drivers regarding remarks made by Dr KL Iawrod, MACS’ Project Director.
Recently, during an interaction with the media, Dr Iawrod had stated that one of the factors contributing to the rising number of HIV cases in Meghalaya was the involvement of truck drivers.
The meeting, which lasted for nearly two hours, also covered several other issues.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Dr Iawrod said that her statement was based on observations and experiences from the past, particularly during the period when coal mining and transportation were at their peak.
She explained that the situation was related to the nature of the truck drivers’ work, as they were often tied up with their jobs and sometimes remained away from their homes for months at a time.
Furthermore, she said that following the concerns raised by MCTODA regarding the difficulties faced by truck drivers, the department would hold a detailed meeting to discuss the matter and would subsequently take it up with the higher authorities.
Meanwhile, MCTODA discussed how the organisation could create avenues for truck drivers to address issues related to their health and well-being.
Speaking to the media, MCTODA chairman, Mosklander Marngar, said that many truck drivers transport goods from one state to another and work for companies, making it very difficult for them to access healthcare services and undergo medical tests.
He said that truck drivers often do not get leave from work and risk losing their jobs if they take leave. Marngar stated that this is one of the factors that may contribute to truck drivers contracting HIV through unprotected sexual relationships.
