*Prajakta Chavan* *3-FEB-2012*
*MUMBAI* : The accident in Pune on January 25, in which eight people died and 29 were injured, has compelled the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) to focus its attention on the psychiatric condition of 37,000 MSRTC drivers working across the state. The corporation has appointed a 12-member committee, which will focus on the drivers' stress levels, working conditions, mental agony and the effect of these on their performance. The committee headed by Deepak Kapoor, managing director, MSRTC, includes Dr Subhangi Parkar, who is in-charge of KEM's psychiatrist department, PA Wankhede, head of VJTI's mechanical engineering department, Dr Anil Podar, MSRTC chief medical officer, Major VB Thorat, retired MSRTC general manager and senior officials from other departments. The committee will also review the MSRTC's lock-and-key system and suggest ways to improve it. MSRTC driver Santosh Mane, had on January 25, used a master key to hijack an empty stationary bus. This week, two committee meetings were held where members were briefed on the functioning of the MSRTC and the conditions in which the drivers work including the condition of the buses and depots. "After studying the above aspects, the committee will deliver its report elaborating the problems, solutions and alterations within a month. This report will then be submitted to the state government," said an MSRTC official, on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing code of conduct. So far, the corporation concentrated only on the physical health of the drivers. Routine tests were conducted to ensure good eyesight, hearing ability and cardio check-ups. "We maintained the medical records of all our employees, but so far the need for psychiatric help was never raised. However, now we are focusing on that too," the official added. http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/MSRTC-panel-to-study-drivers-mental-health/Article1-805977.aspx Prominent ST bus stands to have steel barricades at exit gates * * *Sarang Dastane* * * *6-Feb-2012* *PUNE *: The Maharashtra State Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will install steel barricades at the exit gates of prominent ST bus stops in the state, besides undertaking a basic medical check-up of all its drivers. The decision was prompted by the January 25 incident involving its driver Santosh Mane who mindlessly drove an ST bus on the city streets, killing 8 people and injuring 32 others. MSRTC's managing director and vice-president Deepak Kapoor said, "Steel barricades at exit gates would prevent any bus from leaving the depot without permission. It would be similar to the system installed at toll nakas on highways. A bus driver will be given an exit pass by the controller which has to be produced at the exit gate. Both suggestions are being discussed by a 12-member technical committee. We expect them to be implemented in the next few days." Kapoor said that all 41,000 drivers will have to undergo a medical check-up. Blood pressure and sugar levels will be checked, besides a heart check up, tests for hypertension and basic orthopedic tests will be conducted. A schedule will be finalized in the next eight days, after which it will be implemented at all the 248 bus depots in the state. *"The next step would be a psycho-analysis test on the 41,000 drivers. We are waiting for suggestions of the technical committee. Besides, we are thinking if the psycho-analysis could be carried out under the Central government's National Mental Health Mission."* As per MSRTC officials, there is a suggestion to appoint professional counselors at each depot. The counselor would visit the depot once a week and will speak with the employees and officials. Such dialogues would help improve the work environment, said an MSRTC official. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/Prominent-ST-bus-stands-to-have-steel-barricades-at-exit-gates/articleshow/11772778.cms -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Mental Health Advocacy (News 'N Views) India" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/MhaNewsViewsIndia?hl=en ------------- Affiliated Groups : MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY INDIA [email protected] Discussions on mental health law / policy / plan monitoring / human rights etc [email protected] India-specific news and views related to mental health [email protected] Information and support to carers of people with mental health issues [email protected] Mutual support and sharing of experiential knowledge, skills and social learning amongst peers
