Bad roads take toll on motorists health

20 % rise in back problems, courtesy bumpy ride

The next time you drive down Srinagar roads be extra-cautious or the bumpy motorways –full of potholes –may leave you bedridden! This is what health experts have cautioned motorists in the wake of such incidents.
While many have developed back problems, expecting mothers with pregnancy complications are at higher risk. Medicos have cautioned that even a healthy person can suffer from orthopedic problems due to the prevalent road conditions.
Concerns are equally being raised over ferrying of the ailing for medical treatment. Though primarily the rough roads are feared to deteriorate patient’s condition due to jerks, they are even a cause of traffic jams, which delays timely treatment where seconds matter in life-saving.

THE RISKS
Doctors at Bones and Joints Hospital Barzulla said there has been a rise in number of patients complaining of backaches adding that bad roads were a main cause of the problem. “There’s also a big risk in ferrying of patients with severe bone injuries,” said a medico asking not be identified.
Researchers at SK Institute of Medical Sciences Soura, Kashmir’s sole terretiary care hospital endorse the problem. Noted medico and Associate Professor Neurosurgery DrAbrarAhadWani acknowledged hazards of travelling on bumpy roads.
He said at present nearly 20% of their OPD patients have problems related to their back and that “rough roads are a definite contributing factor”.
“Many patients suffered acute onset of disc prolapse following a jump on these roads,” he said adding “Some patients of chronic degenerative disc disease get relapse due to rough drive.”
The medico has a spine shivering anecdote to share. “One of my patients who also happens to be doctor had temporary paralysis and trauma in neck following a bumpy ride,” DrWani narrated.
A prominent gynecologist said the rough roads have emerged as a risk factor for his patients. “In cases of complete placenta privia or those with fears of threatened abortions, the chances of complications are more. There are chances of bleeding,” he said adding “It’s a not joyride but horseback ride.”
Incidentally the road network between various government run hospitals in the City like SMHS Hospital, B&J Barzulla and SKIMS are worst-hit making inter-hospital ferrying of emergency cases more troublesome.

THE BUMPY ROADS
With no roads in the City being void of ever expanding potholes, travel has been worrisome.
Fitness of vehicles has often been the first toll claimed by bad roads. Vehicles develop frequent snags particularly that in suspension and wear-and-tear of tyres putting extra burden on the motorists pocket. The human health hazard has added new dimensions to the issue.
The 2000 odd kilometer road network crisscrossing Srinagar has worsened since September floods while subsequent winter when road repairs go into 6-months of annual hibernation, furthered the problem.
From middle of May, when the day temperatures improve to be feasible for blacktopping, the government plans a major revamp of Srinagar roads.
Minister for Roads and Buildings (R&B) department Syed AltafBukhari has been saying that the government was committed to provide decent road connectivity.
Commissioner Secretary R&B RohitKansal said the government plans to improve the road connectivity in City at par with the metropolis.