Coimbatore : Sanitation workers play a crucial role of collection, transportation and disposal of waste around us. However, due to the nature of their work, the workers are exposed to fecal sludge and unhygieneic conditions and suffer from exposure to harmful gases like methane and hydrogen sulphide, which results in ailments ranging from cardiovascular degeneration, musculoskeletal disorders, and infections like hepatitis, skin problems, and respiratory system problems.
Coimbatore : Sanitation workers play a crucial role of collection, transportation and disposal of waste around us. However, due to the nature of their work, the workers are exposed to fecal sludge and unhygieneic conditions and suffer from exposure to harmful gases like methane and hydrogen sulphide, which results in ailments ranging from cardiovascular degeneration, musculoskeletal disorders, and infections like hepatitis, skin problems, and respiratory system problems.
In an attempt to solve the problem of lack of preventive healthcare among sanitation workers, TNUSSP has come up with a solution to partner with local hospitals, to provide long-term and sustained healthcare options in the form of period health camps for sanitary workers and their families. In one such initiative, TNUSSP Coimbatore in collaboration with Karpagam Medical Trust Hospital has been conducting regular medical camps for sanitation workers at their workplace for the past one year.
A health camp for the sanitation workers and their families was conducted at the Karamadai Town Panchayat Office on June 14. This camp was organised by a medical team from Karpagam Trust Hospital, who organise specialised health camps for disadvantaged people in the city.
These medical camps have provided free of cost and include basic medical services such as diagnostics such as monitoring blood sugar levels, blood pressure levels, general physical checkup and medical counselling and further references for affordable treatment with focus on specific communicable diseases and extending to lifestyle diseases that are common among the workers due to their nature of work.
“This health camp for our workers was much needed at this point of time and would be great if it happens once in 6 months. About 90 sanitary workers were benefitted by this comprehensive health checkup", ”, said Malliga, a sanitary worker.
“I appreciate the effort of Tamil Nadu Urban Sanitation Support Programme (TNUSSP) for conducting such health camps and to continue the same at regular intervals”, said Suresh Kumar, Executive officer, Karamadai.
During the health check-up, it was observed that issues related to ortho, peptic ulcer due to skipping breakfast and alcoholism was predominant. Proper diet and medications were prescribed by the medical team. Few people who had problem with cataract and were referred to the Karpagam trust hospital for free surgery.
“We used to take dosage of immunisation only but have never come across such a elaborate health check up. I can understand now how regular health check ups can prevent us from life-threatening disease", said Narayanan who is a 2nd generation sanitation work.
"Six such regular camps have been organised in Periyanaickenpalayam and Narasimhanaickenpalayam town panchayat, in which more than 200 sanitation workers and their families took part. Based on the success of these health camps, other adjacent town panchayats such as Karamadai, Veerapandi and Gudalur have shown interest in conducting similar health camps for their sanitation workers", said Dr. Naveen Prabhu, Chief Doctor, Karpagam Trust Hospital.
He also added that Sanitary workers are the true doctors who protect the public from getting affected by diseases, hence their wellness and health should be taken care.
In an attempt to solve the problem of lack of preventive healthcare among sanitation workers, TNUSSP has come up with a solution to partner with local hospitals, to provide long-term and sustained healthcare options in the form of period health camps for sanitary workers and their families. In one such initiative, TNUSSP Coimbatore in collaboration with Karpagam Medical Trust Hospital has been conducting regular medical camps for sanitation workers at their workplace for the past one year.
A health camp for the sanitation workers and their families was conducted at the Karamadai Town Panchayat Office on June 14. This camp was organised by a medical team from Karpagam Trust Hospital, who organise specialised health camps for disadvantaged people in the city.
These medical camps have provided free of cost and include basic medical services such as diagnostics such as monitoring blood sugar levels, blood pressure levels, general physical checkup and medical counselling and further references for affordable treatment with focus on specific communicable diseases and extending to lifestyle diseases that are common among the workers due to their nature of work.
“This health camp for our workers was much needed at this point of time and would be great if it happens once in 6 months. About 90 sanitary workers were benefitted by this comprehensive health checkup", ”, said Malliga, a sanitary worker.
“I appreciate the effort of Tamil Nadu Urban Sanitation Support Programme (TNUSSP) for conducting such health camps and to continue the same at regular intervals”, said Suresh Kumar, Executive officer, Karamadai.
During the health check-up, it was observed that issues related to ortho, peptic ulcer due to skipping breakfast and alcoholism was predominant. Proper diet and medications were prescribed by the medical team. Few people who had problem with cataract and were referred to the Karpagam trust hospital for free surgery.
“We used to take dosage of immunisation only but have never come across such a elaborate health check up. I can understand now how regular health check ups can prevent us from life-threatening disease", said Narayanan who is a 2nd generation sanitation work.
"Six such regular camps have been organised in Periyanaickenpalayam and Narasimhanaickenpalayam town panchayat, in which more than 200 sanitation workers and their families took part. Based on the success of these health camps, other adjacent town panchayats such as Karamadai, Veerapandi and Gudalur have shown interest in conducting similar health camps for their sanitation workers", said Dr. Naveen Prabhu, Chief Doctor, Karpagam Trust Hospital.
He also added that Sanitary workers are the true doctors who protect the public from getting affected by diseases, hence their wellness and health should be taken care.