60pc of drivers suffering from health problems

Above 60 per cent of drivers of motor vehicles are suffering with various health problems, Dhaka Ahsania Mission Health Sector said in a report.

It has been published in a free health check-up including eye test campaign on the occasion of World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims jointly organized by BRTA and Dhaka Ahsania Mission recently.
The report said, total of 541 drivers participated in the eye checkup among 824 drivers; around 66% (541) drivers are suffering from different eye discomforts.

Additionally, among 541 drivers around 73% drivers has power problem and need glasses with specific powers; 4% has Cataract problem and 23% has other eye problem like-dry eye, allergic problem etc. Need to be highlighted that the power problem in eye has been found for the age 31 to 40 (26%) and 41 to 50 (23%) which is very noticeable.

In this health camp, total 824 drivers participated in the free health and eye screening camps at the training centers of BRTA (Nikunja, Uttara), bus terminals (Gabtoli, Mohakhali, Saydabad), Tejgaon Truck Terminal, and Cumilla Zila Shilpokola Academy.

Among 824 drivers, 49% (400) drivers have blood sugar above the limit and 31% (258) drivers are suffering from high blood pressure and 17% (137) drivers are suffering from both high blood sugar and high blood pressure.

Among 824 drivers above 60% divers are not fully fit for driving.

The free health check-up campaign included general health check-up of blood pressure level, blood sugar level, weight according to height and necessary health advice. Similarly, the eye examination included near and far range of vision, cataract examination of drivers and counseling accordingly. This health camp was conducted from October 11 to October 23 last year.

It should be noted that in Bangladesh Road Transport Act-2018 priority has been given to motor vehicles (motor vehicles fitness, route permit etc). The road safety issues are absent in the law. In order to ensure maximum safety of road users, it is very important to formulate and implement a comprehensive road safety law in the light of the UN Safe System Approach, including the physical fitness of drivers.

SAR/SA