Srinagar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dr Shafqat Khan Thursday underlined the need to provide a medical cover to the corporation's employees who provide round-the-clock sanitation services in the city. The welfare of the sanitation staff along with thier health issues shall remain my highest priority said Dr Shafqat.He further stressed that sanitary workers play an important role in maintaining health and hygiene within the city limits."These sweepers are exposed to dust while cleaning streets and roads. It may be the cause of the frequent complaint of respiratory system illness, which may further cause acute and chronic lungs impairment besides other life threatning illness," said Dr Shafqat.Describing these employees as "the backbone of the SMC", Dr Shafqat said, "These employees shall go through the medical assistance constantly and the other reqiured needs would be looked into for the welfare of these safai wallas. He said a team of medicos shall visit to the residential areas of these safaiwallas on a regular basis to carry out health check-ups. "The exercise is aimed at knowing the health conditions of the employees and the hygiene of their dwellings," he said.The Commissioner said such medical measures will not only help in knowing the health of a sanitary worker but also in early detection of any ill impact of their daily job.He also called for regular awareness programs among employee to impart education regarding safer work procedures and use of personal protective measures.He stressed the need to have an health insurance cover of sweeper community. "It would be necessarily looked into by the department itself," said Dr Shafqat.Directions were also passed on for procurement of ambulance along with the manpower so that the employees are immediately rushed to hospitals in case of an emergency. (CNS)