Mumbai, Dec 6: Senior police officers and Hinduja Hospital are working out a programme so that the policemen can get medical treatment in any emergency situation that could arise in the course of duty.Speaking at a health programme on Saturday, Police Commissioner R H Mendonca expressed alarm at the 16 deaths on duty this year alone. There are several reasons for this, he said, which include long working hours, no regular eating habits and inadequate rest.He said police personnel in the vulnerable age group do not come forward for check-ups at medical camps. Therefore, it is now compulsory for those aged over 40 to undergo health check-ups, he added. Treatment will be monitored by the commissioner's office and policeman will be rushed to the nearest private hospital in an emergency.Dr C K Ponde, consultant cardiologist, said there are several risk factors associated with heart attacks, including high cholesterol, obesity, hypertension, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, family history and even advancing age. Some of these factors can be controlled but the individual must play a significant role, he pointed out.For inatsnce, if a person with heart disease continues to smoke, there is little any doctor can do about it, Dr Ponde said. Also, one must avoid junk food which leads to high cholesterol. regular exercise is another must, he said.Later while answering queries, Dr Ponde said that while alcohol consumption is dangerous for heart patients, moderate amounts of red wine can be beneficial for the heart. To another question about how World Wrestling Federation wrestlers keep going, he said they have a lifespan that is shorter by eight to 10 years than the average person.Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) D Shivanandan said that Hinduja Hospital has agreed to admit policemen in an emergency without any deposit, and treatment will be given in the free wards. Also, the cost of medicines will be reimbursed by the government.
