KSRTC to offer free travel, reservation facilities for cancer patients: People raise concerns

KSRTC will soon arrange free travel and reservation facilities in long-distance buses for cancer patients travelling for treatment purposes. The official order regarding this is expected to be released in a few days. Minister KB Ganesh Kumar recently stated in the legislative assembly that free travel would be permitted on all buses, accommodating up to 50 passengers, for cancer patients travelling to any hospitals—both government and private—in Kerala for treatment. 

However, there are concerns that those who want to avail themselves of this concession may struggle to find seats, as most long-distance buses have online ticket reservations. So, a new guideline is expected to be formulated for this purpose. Meanwhile, there are speculations that an option will be available in the online reservation window to note that the journey is for cancer treatment. The details on the documents required to access the facility are yet to be announced. 

Netizens raise concerns
On various social media platforms where the plan was announced, netizens shared a host of concerns about how it can be implemented appropriately. A few of the problems included how a bus conductor can verify a medical certificate and ensure that it is not forged. A few also wonder whether the decision will put an additional burden on ordinary passengers. Why just cancer patients and not those with other chronic diseases as well, is another repeatedly raised question on the matter. A few also opined that in that case, KSRTC drivers should also be instructed to drive carefully and follow rules, to ensure their safety.