Policemen must undergo medical checks annually

All police officers and other ranks are required to undergo health screenings once a year, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said the Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar, would be asked to issue a new circular that would make it compulsory for all police personnel to have a medical check-up once a year.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Home Minister, said the directive was being issued to ensure that the physical and mental fitness level of all officers and men were at the best level to discharge their national duty.

At the same time, Ahmad Zahid also encouraged all members of the police force to undergo health examinations once in six months.

"Previously, the officers and men were only required to undergo medical examination once a year," he told reporters after launching the nationwide PDRM Health Examination Subsidy and Aid Scheme at the Hilir Perak District Police Contingent Headquarters, here today.

In his speech earlier, Ahmad Zahid said health screenings and examinations for police officers and men were free of charge.

"As a comparison, police personnel are given work responsibilities 24 hours a day. When such a heavy responsibility is carried out, they face risks in terms of their physical and spiritual health.

"Both these aspects must be taken into consideration by Bukit Aman, the Home Ministry as a whole. A healthy mind depends on a healthy body," he said.

Meanwhile, the executive chairman of Saujana Binaraya Sdn Bhd, Muhammad Faiz Abdullah, which provides health examinations to members of the uniformed unit, said the health screening represented the first phase for early treatment involving more than 80 patients suffering from chronic diseases and organ failure.

"We find that this matter is of utmost importance to the police force as the personnel represents the frontliners in preserving national security," he said. - BERNAMA