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March 3, 2003

Traffic cops turning deaf: health survey

From: Pune Newsline, India - 03 Mar 2003

Express News Service
Pune, March 3: A RECENT survey carried out jointly by the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) and local NGO Ranjai has revealed that out of 407 traffic policemen checked, 33 suffered from partial loss of hearing while nine were found to be colour blind.

A report of the survey, which was carried out between January 20 and January 31, was handed over to Police Commissioner A N Roy on Monday. Speaking on the occasion, AFMC Commandant General Dr B D Tiwari said the report need serious note and immediate steps to tackle the problem needed to be taken.

The report stated that five policemen were found suffering from severe hearing loss, 12 from moderate hearing loss and 16 from mild hearing loss.

Nine policemen were found to be colour blind and one was had cataract. Twenty-nine policemen were found to having minor ocular disabilities like uncorrected refractive error, ptrerygium, suspected glaucoma, corneal opacity, micro nystagmus, fundus changes and squint.

Some 15 policemen were found to be suffering from hypertension while 13 were suffering from lung function abnormalities like Type 2 diabetes mellitus, bronchial asthma and obesity. Indications of lung disease, was seen in 13 policemen.

Roy has assured that a complete health diagnostic camp for policemen and their families would be organised this month.

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