Doctor: 70% Truck Drivers In Maharashtra Are Addicted To Tobacco Products

Truck drivers have stressful, challenging jobs and suffer from many health problems. In light of this, Mumbai's Platinum Hospital situated in Mulund organized a unique event for 150 truck drivers and cleaners from Mumbai and Nashik. They were screened for cancer and other necessary health checkups. 

The event was organized in the truck warehouse at Nashik-Vilholi in association with Shree Nasik Goods Transport company. Giving more information about this initiative, Dr. Makrand Bhole, Oncologist and Surgeon from Platinum Hospital, Mulund said, "Platinum Hospital not only conducted cancer screening but also counselled these truck drivers to quit smoking. Truck drivers face a lot of challenges when it comes to their health. With a necessarily sedentary lifestyle, very few options when it comes to diet and a generally stressful job that keeps them away from home for extended periods, it’s understandable that they will struggle to stay healthy at the same time they get addicted to tobacco products easily."

Bhole elaborated, "The nicotine in tobacco makes it very difficult to quit the habit and the person becomes more addicted so according to our studies truck drivers need counselling every six months. Tobacco starts to take over and within a few days, the habit turns into an addiction. All of these factors increase the risk of several health conditions. In particular, both smoking and their lifestyle carry increased risks for cancer, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and several other conditions.”

Dr. Makrand Bhole, Oncologist and Surgeon from Platinum Hospital, Mulund added, "Tobacco and tobacco products kill an estimated 8 million people worldwide and 1 million in India each year. 70 per cent of truck drivers in Maharashtra are addicted to tobacco and like other smokers, truck drivers can quit smoking using several different approaches, including medicines, nicotine replacement therapies and smokeless tobacco. At the same time regular counselling, showing short movies on Tobacco side effects, and screening camps will help truck drivers to quit tobacco products." 

Also Read: Mumbaikars Take Oath To Quit Smoking At Borivali Railway Station