Visakhapatnam Police hold free medical camp for auto drivers

The Visakhapatnam City Police, in association with the Sri Sathya Sai Trust for Universal Welfare – Sri Sathya Sai Divyaamritam, Road Safety Forum and Visakha City Security Council, conducted a free comprehensive medical camp for auto-rickshaw drivers and their family members on Tuesday.

The initiative aimed to improve the health and well-being of auto drivers while promoting road safety. Commissioner of Police Shanka Brata Bagchi said the physical and mental fitness of drivers was an important factor in preventing road accidents, considering their significant role in the city’s public transport system.

The programme was inaugurated at the Temple of Learning, Police Barracks, on Tuesday. Similar medical camps were scheduled to be held at eight other locations across Visakhapatnam, including the Railway Station, Kancharapalem, Maddilapalem, PM Palem, Bheemili, Pendurthi, Gajuwaka and Duvvada. The dates for the camps at these locations were to be announced separately.

More than 4,500 auto drivers and their family members were expected to benefit from the initiative.

Range of medical services

Medical services were provided through mobile medical units and Health ATMs. The facilities included general medical consultations and screening for blood pressure, diabetes and thyroid disorders.

Eye examinations, dental check-ups and oral cancer screening were also conducted. Women were provided with gynaecological consultations and screening for breast and cervical cancer, while PSA tests were offered to men and CA-125 tests to women.

The camp also offered consultations in orthopaedics, paediatrics and general surgery, along with mental health services and counselling. Beneficiaries were provided with free medicines for 10 days, medical advice and HPV vaccination.

The City Police appealed to auto drivers and their family members to make use of the medical facilities being provided as part of its public welfare initiatives.