The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Health check-up for policemen

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, May 22, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Health check-up for policemen

Staff Reporter

Long hours of duty and work-related stress have made policemen susceptible to several diseases including diabetes and gastro-intestinal problems.

WAY TO GOOD HEALTH: A policeman gets his blood tested at a medical camp in Kilpauk Police Quarters on Saturday. — Photo: K. Pichumani

CHENNAI: Diabetes has been detected as a common ailment among policemen above 40 years of age.

Over 700 policemen and their family members were screened at a health camp inaugurated by Police Commissioner R. Nataraj at the Corporation Primary School near Kilpauk Police Quarters on Saturday.

At least 25 per cent of the personnel above 40 years were found having elevated blood sugar levels, said Ramaa Durairaj, a social worker and convenor of the camp. Those requiring further consultation were referred to speciality centres in government hospitals.

The policemen and their wards underwent a master health check-up including blood profile test, ultrasound scan, instant blood glucose level check and echocardiogram. At least 10 women suspected of having uterine tumour were referred to the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Besides, 30 persons were sent to the Institute of Ophthalmology in Egmore for cataract surgery.

Several policemen had gastro-intestinal ailments. Alcoholism was a common feature. At least four batches of 100 policemen each attended the Alcoholics Anonymous fellowship every year.

M. Rangarajan, Kilpauk Police Inspector, said the camp was aimed at promoting health awareness among policemen and their family members.

It was found that long hours of duty and work-related stress played havoc with their health.

Ms. Ramaa said those attending the camp were given medicines free of cost.

While pharmaceutical companies provided the medicines, the equipment was supplied by private laboratories.

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