Already overworked and understaffed, roughly 1/3rd have respiratory problems and 35% suffer from varicose veins. stress, backache & tuberculosis are on the rise... and there is no hope in sight
Already overworked and understaffed, roughly 1/3rd have respiratory problems and 35% suffer from varicose veins. stress, backache & tuberculosis are on the rise... and there is no hope in sight
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The backbreaking bandobast duties and the gruelling hours of continuous standing, swinging arms, shouting orders, and straining lungs while managing the city's unwieldy traffic, are beginning to wither our traffic policemen from within. 
Traffic police on duty at Bharatmata Junction
At least 30 per cent of traffic cops in the Mumbai police are suffering from lung problems, including respiratory disorders and throat infections.
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Another 35 per cent are suffering from varicose veins, a painful ailment which often develops due to high pressure while standing and walking, according to estimates by doctors and the traffic department.
The declining health of the men in uniform, exposed constantly to extreme vehicular pollution and a stressful, noisy environment, is already blinking the danger sign, with an alarming number in the clutches of what we normally refer to or dismiss as occupational hazards.
Hardly in the pink
Though there are no precise figures available, senior traffic police officers admit that the health ailments are rapidly growing within the department, with new cases cited every other day.
"The nature of our jobs requires us to stand in extremely polluted environments for long hours," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Nandkumar Chougle. "This has caused several of our men to develop respiratory problems and varicose veins."
Chougle added that apart from these ailments, there is also an increase in the number of policemen complaining of severe backache and tuberculosis, due to the constant exposure to dust and pollution.
On-field traffic policemen said that wearing masks to beat the pollution is not feasible, as they have to blow whistles and shout orders to motorists.
"We have to be on the streets all the time to maintain and discipline road traffic. Sometimes, it's so painful that it is difficult to even stand," said a traffic constable, who also suffers from varicose veins.
No recourse
Currently, there is no support system in place for the city's overtaxed and ailing traffic policemen. However, senior officials are thinking of ways to fix the problem.
"One of the definite ways is to fill the vacant posts and introduce strict eight-hour shifts. Due to a shortage of personnel, we often end up doing 12-hour shifts," said Chougle.
Temporary measure
Looking at the disturbing scenario, currently, traffic policemen suffering from severe varicose veins or respiratory problems are shifted to indoor duties and lesser stressful jobs, and assigned to perform office duties. They are either assigned to the education or administration department, said officials.
Cops also have to face the wrath of the public, which can take a toll on their mental health
Other than that, the department has increased the number of meditation, yoga and health camps. "The cancelling of weekly offs on a regular basis is also a major cause for increasing stress levels. It is important to have at least one day to unwind," said a senior traffic official.
Railway cops too
Dr Shoaib Padaria, interventional cardiologist, Jaslok Hospital, who held a health camp for the railway police last week, noticed an alarming number of policemen suffering from varicose veins. He is in talks with the police department to hold a health camp for traffic cops as well.
"Thirty-five per cent of the city's traffic policemen suffer from varicose veins," said Padaria, adding, "Sixty-nine per cent of the railway personnel who attended the camp are also suffering from the same."
About 200 policemen attended the camp and most of the varicose veins patients were between 45 to 55 years. In the last three years, Padaria has treated over 50 policemen complaining of mild to severe varicose veins.
"At least 40 per cent of the traffic policemen have some lung disorder, ranging from reduced efficiency to early stages of malfunction," said a doctor attached to the police hospital at Nagpada, on condition of anonymity.
Brit-style socks
Padaria feels that the discontinuation of wearing garters, or thick socks till the knee, was a major contributing factor. "During the British era, soldiers and policemen would wear garters. These garters would compress the calf muscles, and help pump blood to the heart. But, this is no longer followed," said Padaria.
Recommended
Preventive measures for varicose veins
>> Take a break. If you are standing for a long time, sit for five minutes, and vice versa
>> Do not put all the weight on one leg, keep alternating your body weight on both legs
>> Rotate your ankles in clock-wise and anti-clockwise directions
4. Put your feet against the wall and press them for five minutes. This will compress your calf muscles and push the bad blood out.
Vacant posts
The traffic police department is 25 per cent short-staffed.
Sanctioned posts for police
>> Sub-inspectors (PSIs) needed: 168
PSIs in the force: 100
Sanctioned posts for assistant PSIs: 202
Asst PSI present: 130
There is a huge shortfall in the head constable and police naik posts as well.
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