3-day health camp for bus, truck drivers begins in city tomorrow

A three-day health screening camp for 1,000 bus and truck drivers will begin tomorrow (Tuesday) at five key locations in Dhaka, marking the first such initiative by the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) under a public-private partnership.

The programme is being organised in collaboration with the National Institute of Ophthalmology, Ahsania Mission, Drishti Unnayon Sangstha, Vision Spirit, the National Heart Foundation, and medical students from various institutions.

The screening camps will be held at Mohakhali, Gabtoli, Saidabad, Tejgaon Truck Stand, and the BRTC Training Institute in Tejgaon. Special Assistant to the Minister for Railways, Road Transport and Bridges, Sheikh Moinuddin, is scheduled to inaugurate the camp at the BRTC Training Institute.

DTCA officials said the target is to examine at least 200 drivers each day for blood pressure, diabetes, and vision-related issues. This is DTCA's first such initiative.

Currently, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has issued more than 4.0 million driving licences. Many drivers remain deprived of basic healthcare facilities and are often accused of drug abuse, a contributing factor in road accidents.

Officials said the screening camp is expected to offer valuable insight into the physical condition of professional drivers, who are frequently blamed for Dhaka's worsening traffic situation and rising accident rates. Drivers found with vision problems will also receive prescription glasses.

DTCA Executive Director Neelima Akter said the initiative will be evaluated as a pilot project. "We have prepared a roadmap in collaboration with private stakeholders to ensure that drivers are physically fit for the job."

smunima@yahoo.com