Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, Transport and IT, Satish Sharma, today inaugurated a Medical Camp at Railway Station, Jammu. The camp was organised by the Motor Vehicles Department in collaboration with Health Department and Taxi Operator Union Railway Station Jammu to promote health awareness and well being among the transport workers.
During the camp, more than 450 drivers participated and underwent BP, sugar and eyesight check-up for colour blindness and other eye sight related issues. The Minister was accompanied by the DIG JKS Range; Transport Commissioner; SSP Railways; Joint Transport Commissioner; RTO Jammu; CMO Jammu and other senior officials from the respective departments.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister appreciated the dedication of drivers who, despite their demanding schedules, participated in the camp, prioritizing their health over daily earnings. He urged the participants to develop a sense of responsibility by adhering to road safety measures, including wearing seat belts and helmets and avoiding mobile phone use while driving.
The Minister highlighted that drivers play a crucial role in building a responsible and progressive society, as their behaviour influences young minds travelling in their vehicles during their struggle time.
Satish Sharma also expressed concern over the rising number of road accident fatalities, which claim around 1,70,000 lives annually, stressing that this number surpasses casualties from some diseases.
He called upon all stakeholders to come forward and contribute towards road safety and accident prevention. The Minister assured that monthly health check-up camps would be organized for drivers in collaboration with the Transport and Health Departments.
Additionally, efforts will be made to establish dormitories, toilets and a "Driver Sarai" at major transport hubs for the welfare of drivers and their helpers. Earlier, the Transport Commissioner and DIG spoke at length about the significance of road safety and the measures needed to curb the accidents.
“This initiative reaffirms government's commitment towards enhancing road safety, ensuring the well-being of transport workers, and fostering a responsible driving culture in Jammu & Kashmir”, maintained the Minister.