Police constables plagued with diseases

Where political instability and endemic crime have multiplied the responsibilities of the police, the provision of deficient nourishment to serving constables amidst unfavourable working conditions has emaciated the safe keepers of order in society.

Despite the government facilitating a luxurious lifestyle for police officers higher in the hierarchy, the low grade personnel including constables and havaldars are not only denied the lavish treatment but are also deprived of basic necessities like a hearty meal and clean drinking water, while performing their duties under extreme weather conditions, leading many sentinels, including women to develop various illnesses.

Shakila Khanum, a constable on-duty at a local police station suffers from a chronic illness, which aggravates during extended hours of sun exposure. “Despite my health condition, I still have to perform my duty under the sun. The medical funds that I receive cannot even cover a week’s dosage of medicine,” shared Khanum who also added that the police station lacked a water filtration instalment due to which countless constables were suffering from gastrointestinal ailments.

Agreeing with Khanum, Atiq Ahmed, a constable appointed for a very important person (VIP) duty, felt that in addition to unsafe drinking water, the substandard food served to constables was also a major factor contributing to the prevalence of stomach diseases. “During duty, we usually receive lentils from the government mess and are occasionally treated with biryani. But unfortunately, both the foods are notorious for upsetting our stomachs,” complained Ahmed.

“Since there is no canteen available in the police station and we cannot afford to go outside to eat during duty, we have no choice but to make do with whatever food and drinks we are served,” added on Shabir Hussain, a constable, who further informed that he and many other personnel brought water bottles from home.

According to the results of a comprehensive health screening carried out by Punjab Police on 16,000 serving officers, 6,200 police officers have diabetes, 1,650 have hepatitis B, 5,800 have hepatitis C, 1,800 suffer from hypertension, and 540 officers suffer from heart, liver, kidney, and lung diseases; while 190 police drivers are plagued by eye disorders.

“Receiving medical help, good food, and clean water is the fundamental right of all personnel serving in the police,” stressed Salman Abid, a civil rights activist, who urged the government to establish police hospitals within all police lines, where constables can receive free treatment and avoid diseases.

Speaking to The Express Tribune on the plight of serving constables, a senior officer of the Punjab Police on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the total budget of the police was more than Rs 150 billion. “Despite having a sizable budget for police welfare, there is a dire need to carefully allocate the finances. So far, the police have spent Rs 33.6 million on medical care for personnel. Additionally, more than 250 police employees have received medical assistance to support their treatments,” claimed the officer.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 5^th, 2023.