APSRTC makes health check-ups mandatory for staff

Vijayawada: In a significant step towards improving employee welfare and passenger safety, the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) has made periodic medical check-ups mandatory for all its employees, with the decision coming into immediate effect.As per the new guidelines, drivers and conductors will undergo health examinations every six months, while other staff members will be subjected to annual medical check-ups. The move follows growing concerns over the rising number of employee deaths within the organisation, estimated at around 300 annually.RTC MD N Balasubramaniam issued key directives emphasising the need for preventive healthcare on Friday. Officials noted that increasing instances of cardiovascular diseases among drivers have prompted focused intervention, given the critical nature of their roles in ensuring road safety.Medical screening has already been initiated across all districts through RTC hospitals and dispensaries. Authorities are also considering expanding the scope of periodic check-ups to include comprehensive blood tests, enabling early detection of potential health risks.Highlighting the importance of preventive care, officials stated that timely diagnosis through regular screening could significantly reduce mortality rates and improve overall workforce productivity. Alongside medical initiatives, APSRTC has launched a health awareness programme to educate employees on maintaining better lifestyle habits.Employees have also been advised to enrol in SBI health and life insurance schemes as an added layer of financial security.