BIHAR state committee of CPI(M) observed a demands day on May 25, against the crumbling health infrastructure, state government's failure in containing the spread of Covid, and the overall health situation in the state. It was observed through a virtual meeting, following all norms of the lockdown with the following demands-

•        Start free mass vaccination.
•        Give Rs 7,500 to every non-tax-payer family.
•        Distribute crores of tonnes of foodgrains lying in central godowns to the needy.
•        Immediately accept all demands of farmers who have been protesting for six months now. Guarantee of purchase of crops at MSP in the state.
•        Sufficient numbers of beds, oxygen, ventilators, and medicines for Corona patients at all government and private hospitals.
•        Government should bear the cost of Corona patients in private hospitals.
•        Controlling high-handedness of ambulances, and stopping black marketing of Corona medicines and oxygen.
•        Increasing the number of tests.
•        Payment of dues to healthcare workers, sanitation workers, Asha, Mamata, Anganwadi, and other Corona warriors. Also, assure bonuses and safety of Corona warriors.
•        Action against officials who lax in duty and exploit the poor.
•        Appointments at vacant healthcare posts.
•        Strengthening healthcare system on the lines of Kerala, and stopping collection for electricity and other bills like Kerala.

A demonstration was held in front of the Party office in Patna with placards and sloganeering. State secretary Awadhesh Kumar, Central Committee member Arun Kumar Mishra, state secretariat member Ganesh Shankar Singh, state committee member Devendra Chaurasiya and other leaders and workers participated.

Awadhesh Kumar talked at length about the Corona pandemic, and the situation arising out of it in the state and the country. He said the party had raised its demands at a meeting called by the state governor. The government has taken no action on it yet. He said lies are being propagated in the state in the name of the health system. Reports of public dissatisfaction and anger is coming from everywhere.

He also said there is an anarchic situation in the state. People are not getting vaccines, patients are not finding hospitals, and there is a shortage of beds, oxygen, ventilators, medicines, and ambulances.

He said the infection has now spread from cities to rural areas.

In an agriculture-dependent state, farmers are not able to sell their wheat crops. He also said the Party will stand with the people and has vowed to help people.

Party leaders and workers also protested with banners and placards in front of their homes and at party offices across the state. Students also protested with placards announcing their demands.

The Party congratulated members and people of Bihar for successfully marking the day.