They Work In Harsh Conditions Without healthcare facilities Aruna Raghuram | TNN Ahmedabad: They may be the salt of the earth, but in Kutch they live in deplorable conditions. For one, good health seems unattainable for women salt workers, or agariyas. A study conducted by head of Peace Research Centre and Department of Gandhian Thought Dr Pushpa Motiyani reveals that apart from facing occupational hazards they have no access to healthcare. Sixty-one per cent of the 500 women she interviewed in Kandla said the nearest primary health centre was seven km away from their work spot, which is also their home! "Naturally, 70 per cent resort to home remedies for ailments. Consulting a doctor before delivery is not common. And, 90 per cent women agariyas said in a pregnancy-related emergency, no facility was provided to them in the salt fields," says the study Pregnant and lactating women have no access to green vegetables, fruits or milk as they live in remote areas for eight months of the year. To make matters worse, 90 per cent women suffer from anaemia. Occupational health hazards include skin problems like"scaP**' ing,