Mumbai traffic cops are much healthier than those in other metros

It's a pleasant surprise, indeed! The overall health of traffic cops in the maximum city is better than the national average. Given the chaotic traffic situation and extreme weather conditions, one would think constables manning city traffic round the clock would be far from healthy. But it's not so if the recent medical reports of over 1,300 traffic constables are anything to go by.

Who conducted the check-up?
The health check-up was conducted by Neptune Foundation and Environmental Medical Association and KJ Somaiya Hospital, and 1,340 Mumbai traffic officials underwent tests. And doctors found 99% of them having normal blood pressure levels and ECG. The health camp found only 15% of them overweight and 7 % with high blood sugar.
The data was collected from 11 medical camps conducted for Mumbai traffic police in August.

Did pollution affect respiration?
Dr KC Mohanty, HOD, Dept of Chest & TB, KJ Somaiya Hospital, said: "To our great surprise we found abnormal Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) only in 15 % of them, despite the fact that these people stand for more than eight hours-a-day in polluted environment. Regular breathing exercises for a few minutes in the mornings and evenings can improve their lung function."

How did they fare on fitness scale?
The Body Mass Index (BMI) was high among 53% of the cops. However, since many of them have very good muscle mass, only 15% of them are actually overweight. Hence most were certified fit. Increased blood sugar (diabetes) level was found only in 7% of the cops, which is less than the national average for metros.

How do they keep healthy?
Traffic cops are healthy because the department conducts a number of health awareness and motivational programmes for constables, officials said. Joint commissioner of police (traffic), BK Upadhyay said: "Traffic cops have a tough and stressful job. They toil in extreme conditions. Keeping that in mind, we designed a few programmes in February for their welfare."
One of the programmes is Susamvad—senior traffic officials, including joint commissioner, interact with 50 to 60 constables and officers from traffic chowkies every week and try to understand the problems they face on the field.
"We have a dedicated team of doctors who interact with them and understand their problems. We counsel the cops, take cognizance of their problems and suggest practical solutions to overcome them. This has boosted the morale of these cops."

Does welfare measures help de-stress?
That apart, the department also sends its officials for yoga to Kaivalyadhama, an institute in Marine Drive. "This has helped them stay calm and focused through the day. We also have 'Traffic Cop of the Month' programme through which 25 officers are rewarded every month. They are given certificates and cash rewards. This has been a great motivating factor," added Upadhyay.
These welfare measures have helped in de-stressing traffic cops to a great extend. "We are happy that the lifestyle of these cops has improved. A testimony to this is the medical reports, which are better than those of the previous year's. We hope to design more such programmes to improve the morale and health of our officials," said Upadhyay.