50% auto drivers suffer from backache HEALTH CHECK-UP RESULT

Fortis Hospital, Vashi in association with Regional Transport Office (RTO) organised a Free Heath Check- up Camp for the Auto rickshaw drivers of Navi Mumbai on Friday.

More than 200 rickshaw drivers got themselves screened and sought expert consultation. The doctors provided much needed consultation t o help t hem understand ways to take better care of their health. The camp was conducted at sector 16 at Koparkhairane.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported that approximately 2.4 million people die each year from causes directly attributable to air pollution.

According to an independent study by Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College in Pune, auto rickshaw drivers, who spend 8 to 10 hours daily in traffic pollution, stand at a high risk of restrictive lung disorder.

The initiative, driven by the Auto Rickshaw Drivers’ Union (Chhatrapati Shivaji Rickshaw Union), was an attempt to address the health woes of the autorickshaw drivers.

Dr Bipin Chevale, facility director, Fortis Hospital, Vashi, said: “Autorickshaw drivers are required to be screened from time to time especially when their work conditions are not absolutely healthy. We are happy to partner with Chhatrapati Shivaji Rickshaw Union and RTO in organising the health camp for auto rickshaw drivers. The positive response from the autorickshaw drivers evokes the fact that there is a need for such camps to be organised at regular interval.”

Madhukar Patil, president of Chhatrapati Shivaji Rickshaw Union, said, “We are constantly exposed to pollution, dust and adverse climatic conditions.”

Sanjay Dhaygude, deputy Regional Transport Officer (RTO), who led the health check-up camp for the Auto Rickshaw drivers, said, “Auto drivers perform their duties in adverse weather conditions. Their health takes a toll on their physiological and psychological health. The concern for better health should encourage them to spread the message of health to their colleagues as well.”

Autorickshaw drivers are required to be screened from time to time especially when their work conditions are not absolutely healthy. DR BIPIN CHEVALE, Fortis Hospital, Vashi