<p>A screening camp held on Saturday for pourakarmikas and health workers in Mahadevapura ward found most of them suffering from anemia and skin diseases.</p>.<p>A doctor from Sakra Hospital who checked the civic workers said at least 80% of them were women and 50% are anemic. "This finding can be considered as a sample base for BBMP pourakarmikas and workers across the city," said Dr Prapty.</p>.<p>"The workers look pale and are underweight because they don't have a balanced meal and lack nutrition," she added.</p>.<p>The doctor said anemia is a common problem among people in the lower strata, especially among the BBMP workers. Such is its impact that they find it harder to work with their gloves on.</p>.<p>While skin diseases are known to be common among pourakarmikas as they handle waste without protection, prevalence of anemia is a cause for concern, said another doctor.</p>.<p>"Women workers have menstrual abnormalities. Excessive blood loss causes anemia. They're found to have worms in their stomach and their hands and nails are dirty," observed the doctor.</p>.<p>Members of the Citizen Watch Group, Helping Hands, the Rotary Club and residents around Bellandur Lake had organised the health-screening camp for BBMP's pourakarmikas, drivers and sanitation workers at the Mahadevapura ward. Over 300 workers were screened in the camp, held as a part of 'giving back' during the festive Deepavali season. Doctors and paramedics from Sankara Eye Hospital, Sakra World Hospital and Columbia Asia conducted the camp.</p>.<p>Since many are anemic, they will be helped to consult doctors and get non-branded medicines. Expert talks to help the workers understand the dietary changes will also be held, said Sonali Singh, a member of Citizen Watch Group.</p>.<p>BBMP health inspector Mahesh regretted that workers fail to wear masks and gloves given to them by the civic body, resulting in skin diseases. "Anemia is a new finding and we'll have to look into it," he said.</p>.<p>"We give iron and vitamin tablets as supplements, but it looks like the workers aren’t taking them." He also assured that health camps will be held to educate them.</p>
<p>A screening camp held on Saturday for pourakarmikas and health workers in Mahadevapura ward found most of them suffering from anemia and skin diseases.</p>.<p>A doctor from Sakra Hospital who checked the civic workers said at least 80% of them were women and 50% are anemic. "This finding can be considered as a sample base for BBMP pourakarmikas and workers across the city," said Dr Prapty.</p>.<p>"The workers look pale and are underweight because they don't have a balanced meal and lack nutrition," she added.</p>.<p>The doctor said anemia is a common problem among people in the lower strata, especially among the BBMP workers. Such is its impact that they find it harder to work with their gloves on.</p>.<p>While skin diseases are known to be common among pourakarmikas as they handle waste without protection, prevalence of anemia is a cause for concern, said another doctor.</p>.<p>"Women workers have menstrual abnormalities. Excessive blood loss causes anemia. They're found to have worms in their stomach and their hands and nails are dirty," observed the doctor.</p>.<p>Members of the Citizen Watch Group, Helping Hands, the Rotary Club and residents around Bellandur Lake had organised the health-screening camp for BBMP's pourakarmikas, drivers and sanitation workers at the Mahadevapura ward. Over 300 workers were screened in the camp, held as a part of 'giving back' during the festive Deepavali season. Doctors and paramedics from Sankara Eye Hospital, Sakra World Hospital and Columbia Asia conducted the camp.</p>.<p>Since many are anemic, they will be helped to consult doctors and get non-branded medicines. Expert talks to help the workers understand the dietary changes will also be held, said Sonali Singh, a member of Citizen Watch Group.</p>.<p>BBMP health inspector Mahesh regretted that workers fail to wear masks and gloves given to them by the civic body, resulting in skin diseases. "Anemia is a new finding and we'll have to look into it," he said.</p>.<p>"We give iron and vitamin tablets as supplements, but it looks like the workers aren’t taking them." He also assured that health camps will be held to educate them.</p>