HDBFS Launches Transport Aarogyam Kendra to Improve Healthcare for Truck Drivers

In conversation with Krupa Tanna, Lead - CSR, HDB Financial Services:

What inspired HDB Financial Services to launch the Transport Aarogyam Kendra (TAK) initiative, and how has it evolved since its inception in 2020?

In 2020, HDB Financial Services (HDBFS) launched the Transport Aarogyam Kendra(TAK) program in Delhi to tackle the significant healthcare challenges faced by truck drivers. Truck drivers are the unsung heroes of our economy, forming the backbone of the logistics industry. They ensure the seamless transportation of goods, keeping supply chains running smoothly and enabling businesses to thrive. Despite their critical role, truck drivers often face significant challenges, including long working hours, hazardous road conditions, and limited access to healthcare. These factors not only affect their well-being but also pose risks to the efficiency of the economy. HDBFS expanded the program to major transport hubs such as Gandhidham,Ranchi, Ludhiana, Namakkal, Kalamboli, and Indore. Over the years, the TAK program has provided free healthcare services to more than 1,00,000 truck drivers across the country, offering physiotherapy, medical consultations, and preventive health awareness initiatives. This comprehensive effort has promoted long-term health and improved the quality of life for truck drivers nationwide.

Why was Vijayawada chosen as the latest location for a TAK center, and what makes this hub significant for truck drivers?

Vijayawada, particularly Jawahar Auto Nagar, has been identified as a key transport hub due to its high volume of trucking activity and substantial driver population. Truck drivers in this area often face demanding work conditions, including extended hours, lack of sleep, and limited access to medical facilities, which contribute to chronic discomfort and musculoskeletal issues. To address these challenges and improve the well-being of truck drivers, HDB Financial Services (HDBFS) has inaugurated a Transport Aarogyam Kendra (TAK) center in this region. The center will provide healthcare services, such as physiotherapy and preventive measures, tailored to meet the unique health needs of truck drivers. Through this initiative, HDBFS aims to ensure timely medical assistance and enhance the overall health and quality of life of the drivers in Vijayawada.

What specific healthcare challenges do truck drivers face, and how does TAK address them through its physiotherapy and medical services?

Truck drivers often face significant health challenges due to prolonged sitting, poor posture, and limited access to routine medical care, resulting in musculoskeletal diseases, persistent back and leg pain, and other physical ailments. These issues are further compounded by inadequate nutrition and irregular sleep patterns, leading to long-term health concerns. Recognizing the need to address these challenges, Transport Aarogyam Kendra (TAK) clinics were established to provide healthcare services. These clinics offer free and accessible medical consultations, expert physiotherapy treatments, and preventive health awareness workshops designed to meet the specific needs of the trucking industry. Through these initiatives, TAK aims to ensure that truck drivers can work safely and productively by managing pain, preventing chronic injuries, and embracing healthier lifestyles.

How has the partnership with MAMTA Health Institute for Mother and Child (Mamta-HIMC) enhanced the impact of this initiative?

The partnership between HDB Financial Services (HDBFS) and MAMTA Health Institute for Mother and Child (Mamta-HIMC) has significantly enhanced the Transport Aarogyam Kendra (TAK) program. With Mamta- HIMC's experience in community healthcare and preventive health solutions, TAK centers have shifted their focus to address both immediate medical needs and long-term wellness initiatives. This collaboration has led to improved medical service delivery, the incorporation of preventive care measures, and broader outreach efforts to raise health awareness among truck drivers. As a result, TAK has evolved from merely providing medical services to establishing a healthcare ecosystem, aiming for the health and well-being of the trucking community for generations to come.

What are HDBFS’s future plans for expanding the Transport Aarogyam Kendra initiative to other transport hubs in India?

Building on the success of TAK facilities at various transportation hubs, HDB Financial Services (HDBFS) has identified the need to further expand the program to ensure truck drivers have access to healthcare services. Recognizing the importance of improving service quality, HDBFS has devised a future roadmap that focuses on establishing additional TAK centers in high-traffic transportation hubs, deploying mobile medical units to reach remote areas, and strengthening partnerships with healthcare institutions. By implementing these initiatives, HDBFS aims to widen its reach and enhance its impact, reflecting its objective to bridging the healthcare gap for truck drivers in India. This expansion ensures that truck drivers receive consistent medical support and preventive care, enabling them to lead healthier lives while continuing to maintain the vital supply chain of the nation.