A seminar focusing on Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) was held today at the Chandigarh Secretariat with the primary aim of spreading public awareness about this often underdiagnosed condition and emphasising preventive measures to address its impact on health and road safety.
Present during the seminar were Secretary Health, Sh. Mandip Singh Brar; SSP Traffic, Sh. Sumer Pratap Singh; Director Principal, GMCH-32, Dr. Ravneet Kaur, along with officials from the Health Department, Transport Department, Police Department, and other concerned departments of Chandigarh Administration.
A brief and informative presentation on “The Silent Burden of Obstructive Sleep Apnea - Need for Public Awareness, Screening & Administrative Action” was delivered by Dr. Sandeep Bansal, MS, FAMS, FIMSA, Professor & Incharge Sleep Lab, Department of Otolaryngology & Head & Neck Surgery, and Additional Medical Superintendent (HE), PGIMER, Chandigarh. He also serves as President of the Indian Association of Surgeons for Sleep Apnea (ASSA).
Dr. Bansal highlighted that OSA significantly affects sleep quality and daytime alertness, which can pose serious risks, particularly for drivers and personnel engaged in critical duties. He stressed the importance of early identification, timely screening, appropriate medical care, and enhanced public awareness.
During the seminar, it was discussed that awareness-oriented seminars and screening camps for CTU drivers and commercial vehicle drivers, especially those operating long-route buses, as well as for police personnel, will be undertaken as part of preventive efforts.