At least 50% of Mumbai policemen suffer from cardiac problems. This startling fact was found during a recent special health camp organised by a city hospital.
They were advised to undergo immediate cardiac consultation.
While 23% policemen were found to be suffering from kidney stones, 20% had piles, 20% various orthopedic problems, such as back pain, joint pain, posture problems, and 9% had psychological problems.
“Though the report is based on the check-up of 43 policemen from Kandivli and Borivli police stations, it reflects heavily on the overall scenario because the working conditions are same in the entire department,” said Dr Bhakti Bhatt, senior doctor and counsellor at Apex Hospital.
Though unaware of this report published by a medical website, deputy commissioner of police (administration) Hemant Nagrale shared the health concerns.
“We are already working on a scheme under the Mumbai Police Kutumb Yojna (MPKY) for free annual departmental health check-up across all ranks on a par with the current facility to IPS officers. The plan may take at least four more months to materialise,” said Nagrale.
While the MPKY covers 27 ailments, in addition to five serious ailments, for the 2 lakh members of the force from Mumbai and Maharashtra police, it does not have OPD facilities which Nagrale anticipates getting included at the empanelled hospitals.
He added that there will be designated hospitals for five serious ailments — cancer, heart ailments, bypass, angioplasty and transplants — in the next three months.
“We shall attach 3,000 men to each hospital so that a proper report can be maintained for all at one place, while they can go to the nearest hospital for treatment,” said Nagrale. He added that there would be five hospitals in five regions where they will try to provide free OPD and medical check-ups.
The Apex Hospital has also received an email about the MPKY about making a cardiac screening compulsory for assistant sub-inspectors, constables, head constables and police naiks.
