DGCA to make regular medical tests mandatory for cabin crew

Airline cabin crew may have to undergo regular medical tests to prove that they are physically fit, according to new training norms proposed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
The new rules, to be introduced later this month, are meant to improve cabin safety, DGCA sources said. The move by DGCA to make bi-annual medical tests mandatory for cabin crew, could also lead to grounding of unfit crew members and push up operating costs of airlines.
Currently, only pilots undergo a stringent medical check up each year for renewal of their licences. In Air India, cabin crew members aged over 35 years have to undergo annual medical tests. (The number of crew members aged over 35 years in private airlines is fewer). Cabin crews undergo checks prior to induction, but there is no rule that makes regular medical examinations compulsory after joining work.
Earlier this week, DGCA officials met airline representatives to lay out the new norms which will be applicable to all scheduled and non-scheduled operators (airlines and charters).
A doctor attached to the medical department of an airline said that crew members largely suffer from anaemia because of odd working hours and an irregular diet.
They also complain of frequent backache or spondylosis because their job involves pushing and pulling food trolleys during flights.
A source in an airline said that introduction of compulsory medical tests is a preventive measure.
Some crew members said that the medical tests will help because it will lead to earlier detection of ailments. However, some fear the management may use the new norms as a pretext to ground employees.
18/12/09 Aneesh Phadnis/Mumbai Mirror

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Categories: Indian Aviation- In General Dec 2009