Amazon launches health, wellness programme for Indian truck drivers
The initiative is designed to address the healthcare needs of truck drivers and their families with health screenings and access to consultation.
Amazon India announced the launch of ‘Sushruta’, a health and wellness programme for truck drivers.
Amazon works with over 350 trucking partners who employ thousands of truck drivers. The initiative aims to prioritize the health needs of these truck drivers, who spend a significant part of their working day on the road. In addition, it will raise awareness about long-term health practices, which will be beneficial to truck drivers and their families. A series of health camps are being organized in Bengaluru, Manesar (Haryana), and other parts of the country for truck drivers, offering screenings for over 70 health parameters.
“Organized in collaboration with NGOs such as Premansh Foundation, Anchal Health Centre and DocOnline, the inaugural camp in Bengaluru in January 2024 and the recently concluded camp in Manesar was a significant success with encouraging participation from truck drivers,” reads the release.
Arun Kumar Singh, director, Amazon Transportation Services, India, emphasizes, “At Amazon, we recognize the challenges truck drivers face, including neglected health due to long hours on the road. ‘Sushruta’ program aims to address these challenges and support the good health of drivers. We sincerely hope this program makes a positive change in the lives of the truck drivers and their families”
The Sushruta program offers a range of screenings, including blood tests, eye examinations, and dental checks, aiming to identify and diagnose any health concerns amongst the truck drivers. In addition, awareness campaigns and sessions are organized during the camp, which aim at promoting a healthy lifestyle among the truck drivers and their families. The drivers are provided with a referral card along with their health reports, granting access to teleconsultation services for themselves and up to three family members. Additionally, the referral card provides access to Anchal Health Centre and affiliated government hospitals for health checkups throughout the year.
Thipparaju G, a truck driver working with Amazon’s trucking partner from Bengaluru says “I am thankful to Amazon for initiatives like Sushruta. As we are mostly on the move, it's reassuring that Amazon prioritizes our healthcare and organizes health camps for our betterment.”
In 2022, Amazon in partnership with Lenskart, conducted a pilot of the program and organized an eye check-up camp. The 25-day-long camp, spanning across fulfillment centers and sort centers in Delhi NCR, aimed to enhance eye care accessibility for truck drivers and support staff. The project conducted screenings for over 1700 individuals and distributed more than 529 spectacles to those in need. Following a successful pilot, Amazon has extended the healthcare camp and scope of checkups and tests across locations under ‘Sushruta’ this year.
