Vadodara: In a move towards major image correction, the police department has launched an initiative to make Vadodara police the fittest force in Gujarat. If all goes as per plan, the city streets will see lithe cops on patrol, while the much-riled ‘pot-bellied’ versions gradually fade into oblivion.
The police department on Saturday began medical check-up of the cops at different hospitals in the city. Once all the 2,800 cops undergo detailed check-up, reports of each policeman will be submitted to the DCPs of the areas they are posted. Each of the cop will then be given a dedicated diet plan, physical exercises like cycling and yoga as well as stress management tips.
“We have formed a health advisory committee consisting of specialists who designed the health programme. It has been specially designed to test fitness of the cops and work on those who need help. We want the city police to be the fittest in the state,” said Shamsher Singh, city police commissioner.
The advisory committee has 10 members including superintendent of SSG Hospital, heart specialists, ENT surgeons and those treating lifestyle diseases. Singh said that many policemen have irregular and sometimes extended work hours that affects their lifestyle, food and sleeping habits.
And hence they suffer from heart diseases, hypertension and diabetes. “Such diseases directly affect their health and productivity. Our manpower is our strength and the healthier they are, the better we can serve the society. Also, if a policeman is fit, people feel confident that they can protect people,” Singh added.
“The panel will monitor the progress of the policemen and prepare a monthly report which will be reviewed every quarter. Cops whose fitness levels don’t improve much will be monitored and given alternate plans,” Singh added.