Urban News

To ensure that the civic employees are in the best of their health and perform their responsibilities well, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to make it mandatory for its employees above 50 years of age to undergo medical check-ups every year. However, the employees union has expressed concern that the administration might misuse the initiative by declaring the staff unfit.

“Our only objective is to ensure that all civic employees are in best health conditions. The efficienty of the staff will be maximum only if they are physically fit,” said Shivaji Daundkar, incharge of Labour Welfare Department of PMC.

It has been observed that those above a certain age suffer from some or the other ailment but they mostly ignore it. The health check-ups will enable them to identify the ailments and take medication under the health scheme, he said.

“Those going for medical check-ups in private hospitals will be given Rs 500 per person. The same will be free of cost in civic hospitals,” said Daundkar.

Mukta Manohar, leader of PMC Workers Employees Union, said the initiative sounds good as it will help many ailing staff members to take medical treatment on time. “However, the civic body should make their intentions clear as there is a fear among the employees that the administration might declare them unfit to continue in service,” Manohar said adding that no one likes to lose job. 

Over 50% of the 18,000 civic employees work on the field and are prone to infection and diseases, Manohar said adding the administration should not take advantage of the medical report to get rid of the staff with health ailment.

The union leader said the civic body’s decision to give Rs 500 to civic staff for medical check-ups in private hospitals is inadequate as the charges in private hospitals are too high.