SUI announces new medical schemes for Seafarers’

On 01^st July, the Sailors Union of India (SUI) organised the much awaited Seafarers Awareness Conference 2023 at Varkhadi Bhawan, Navi Mumbai. The conference saw an overwhelming participation from many shipping RPSL companies, maritime training institutes, partners from other shipping associations, logistics, DGS approved doctors, fellow seafarers and respectable dignitaries.

Honourable Minister of State for Port Shipping Waterways, Mr Shripad Naik inaugurated the conference, which was followed by the welcome address of Mr Pradeep Singh, General Secretary, SUI where he informed about all the welfare activities that has been carried out by the union, since its inception.

The Chief Guest, Mr Naik thoroughly emphasized on the welfare of the marine community and advised on the various measures the government will undertake to curb the ongoing and recurring problems of the seafarers. He assured that he would advocate all issues on behalf of the seafarers when he meets with the Ministry of Shipping in the near future. Later on Mr Naik inaugurated the new SUI website.

Mr RP Veettil, Founder and National President, SUI enthralled the audience by informing that the seafarers were lacking in qualities, and introduced them to various pages on DGS websites that would enable them to enhance their skills. He also stressed on the urgency of the issuance of the shore leaving passes for the Indian seafarers. He also defined the need and the importance of the RPSL advisory board to be directly aligned under the DGS.

He laid emphasis that it is a must for any newcomer, to first gather complete information about the marine industry and then venture into it. Lastly, he requested Mr Naik to dedicate some of his attention on the financial and medical needs of the retired seafarers as this has been a pertinent issue for almost a decade now.

Ms Mamta Tai Mhatre, Honourable MLA from CBD Belapur pledged that she will do everything within her abilities and authority to stop all the fraudulent activities in the shipping industry. CBD Belapur being a major shipping hub has also been at a pivot for swindling activities. She said that she will get the police take stringent steps against fallacious pursuits.

Mr Anil Dhumane, President, Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh, Maharashtra presented the L20 module. Mr Mohanrao Yenure, General Secretary, Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh spoke about the ideologies and the principles of the sangh.

The other speakers, were Dr Dharmendra Singh Chauhan and Mr Ravi Raman; Dr Chauhan, a marine doctor, spoke about the diverse psychological problems that both onshore and offshore seafarers face generally and how to take control of those problems; and Mr Raman, a motivational speaker, highlighted the various ways that could be used to combat critical times and situations.

Thereafter, SUI announced new Medical Schemes for Seafarers’ who obtained union card. The Medicover Hospital in Kharghar will provide get 15-20 % discount in final bill. The Seafarers & family who go for medical check-up in Panacea Diagnostic Centre in CBD Belapur will receive 50% discount in total bill by producing SUI privilege card.

SUI also submitted two separate memorandum to the Minister, pertaining to the Seafarers issues of Shore Leave Pass in Indian Ports, and Pension and social security for forty thousand Retired Seafarers who were attained the age of sixty and above.

The conference was a great success and it definitely has paved the way to new hopes for betterment and satisfaction among all.

Marex Media