To create awareness on silicosis, an occupation-related lung disease, and pave way for early diagnosis, a multi-departmental initiative is underway.
As per a government order, a District Silicosis Coordination Committee chaired by Collector R. Nanthagopal has been formed. The committee’s first meeting was convened on Tuesday.
Officials of the Department of Mines, Employee’s State Insurance Corporation, Joint Director of Medical Services and Inspector of Factories are members of the committee, according to K.S.T. Suresh, deputy director of health services (DDHS), Vellore. The DDHS is the convenor of the committee.
“Silicosis is a lung disease that is caused by inhaling silica dust. Workers involved in sandblasting, stone cutting, road works are at risk as they are exposed to silica for a long time, ” Dr. Suresh said. This could lead to deposition of silica dust in the lungs, and, continuous exposure puts these workers at high risk of tuberculosis, fungal infections and chronic bronchitis, he added.
While organised sector workers have access to medical facilities and factory medical officers, those in the unorganised sector lack medical assistance.
“There is a gap in taking awareness of silicosis and periodic check-ups to unorganised sector workers. This initiative is aimed at filling this gap. We will hold medical camps for these workers twice in a year,” he said.
To start with, the committee will take up enumeration of workers involved in such jobs. “We need to find out the number of workers, type of industries, locations and come up with a catalogue. ,” he pointed out.
