The department of Chest Medicine and Environmental Pollution Research Centre (EPRC) at the KEM Hospital, Mumbai, has initiated programmes providing medical assistance to Brihan Mumbai Corporation (BMC) municipal workers who suffer from significant obstructive diseases due to occupational exposure.

The department, headed by Dr. Amita Athavle, regularly conducts health surveys, performs on site pulmonary function tests, analyses Breath Carbon-monoxide levels and Blood COHb monitoring and general health check up among the BMC workers. The team includes a lecturer, registrar, social worker and health visitor and technical staff along with the doctors, who offer medical advice on a case-to-case basis.

“Respiratory disorders are on rise among BMC workers due to their occupational exposure to unhealthy environment. The workers don’t take advantage of protective measures provided to them, which causes them prone to various diseases. It is necessary to create awareness about the health hazards among them and provide assistance to this sector of the society that explores the territory where the society hesitates to enter,” said Dr. Amita Athavle, professor & head of chest medicine & chief of EPRC.

However, Dr. Athavle feels that the higher intake of alcohol and smoking might also be the factor responsible for respiratory and asthma disorders among the workers. But, it is my perception that the exposure to unhealthy conditions is responsible for health problems, she opines.

The department of Chest Medicine and E.P.R.C also undertakes routine medical check up for workers in various Corporation departments, including the chlorine plant workers. It is actively involved with municipal corporation and ministry of environment (State Govt.) in conducting surveys and providing medical assistance according to the collected data.

There are BMC-run laboratories of department of chest medicine and EPRC at Khar, Worli, Andheri, Borivali, Bhandup and Maravali. These laboratories test the Respiratory Morbidity in the given area. They identify SO2, NO2, Suspended Particulate Matter (SMP) and NH2 levels in the body. Each area is studied specifically and status of the area is decided.

The department of E.P.R.C. has been regularly conducting a number of research trials. It is involved in a number of research projects, original basic research and drug trials of stage III and IV level.