As part of the Swachhata Hi Seva 2024 campaign, Akashvani, New Delhi organized a two-day large-scale health and wellness program on 1st and 2nd October, focusing on preventive health for sanitation workers, known as Safai Mitras. The initiative, held at the Akashvani premises, featured health check-up camps, Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs, and yoga training sessions designed to promote the physical and mental well-being of sanitation workers, who play an essential role in maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of the city.
The campaign kicked off on 30th September with free preventive health check-ups that included eye, dental, gynecological, skin, gastrointestinal, and general assessments for the Safai Mitras, in collaboration with various hospitals. These initiatives ensured that sanitation workers received the medical attention they needed, recognizing them as “Swachhata Heroes” for their significant contribution to society.
Akashvani & ESIC: A Collaborative Effort for Long-term Health Benefits
Akashvani also collaborated with ESIC Hospital and Medical College, Faridabad (NIT), to establish a long-term healthcare association for Safai Mitras. This partnership facilitated free on-the-spot registration and provided OPD slips for general consultations and prescriptions, as well as referrals to specialist consultations when required. A dedicated medical file was created for each Safai Mitra to keep their prescriptions and test reports organized, ensuring continuity of care and proper documentation.
Dr. Lal Pathlabs also joined this initiative, offering free blood testing facilities for approximately 200 sanitation workers, security guards, outsourced drivers, and MTS employees at the Akashvani complex. On 1st October, a booth was set up to spread awareness and demonstrate the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat PMJAY and ABHA Card. Eligible beneficiaries, including Safai Mitras and other staff members of Prasar Bharati, could register for these healthcare services on the spot.
Promoting Health and Awareness: Yoga Training and Fraud Prevention Sessions
In order to highlight the importance of holistic health among sanitation workers, a yoga training session was conducted in association with students from the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga. This session aimed to educate the Safai Mitras on the benefits of yoga, promoting physical fitness and mental well-being. In addition, an interactive session on fraud awareness, organized in collaboration with Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited, was attended by around 50 officials, offering important information to help safeguard their financial interests.
Women’s Health Initiatives at the Suraksha Shivir
Women’s health received particular attention during the health camps, with a free gynecological check-up for female Safai Mitras provided in collaboration with Artemis Hospital, Gurugram. The initiative sought to promote awareness about women’s health issues and encourage sanitation workers to prioritize their well-being by seeking regular medical care. This aspect of the Suraksha Shivir underscored Akashvani’s dedication to the health and empowerment of female workers in the community.
Eye Care for Safai Mitras: Free Eye Tests for Better Vision
To ensure optimal vision for Safai Mitras, a free eye test facility was provided by M/s Lawrence & Mayo during the Suraksha Shivir. This essential service aimed at ensuring that all sanitation workers received appropriate vision care, promoting eye health and addressing vision-related challenges faced by many workers.
Community Engagement: Swachhata Selfie Point at Akashvani Directorate
In an engaging move to foster community participation in the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Akashvani set up a ‘Swachhata Selfie Point’ at the Akashvani Directorate. This initiative encouraged employees and visitors to take selfies at the designated point, spreading awareness about cleanliness by sharing their photos on social media using the hashtag #SwachhataSelfie. The campaign aimed to instill a sense of pride in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, inspiring others to join the cleanliness movement.
A Commitment to Health, Hygiene, and Community Support
Through the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign, Akashvani demonstrated its commitment to the well-being of sanitation workers by organizing preventive health check-up camps, Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs, and yoga training sessions. These efforts have not only addressed immediate healthcare needs but also raised awareness of health issues, encouraged the adoption of healthy practices, and fostered a sense of community support among the workers.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Ankur Deka/MSM)