Hemang Palan

Mental wellbeing of seafarers is a growing concern due to ongoing war and conflicts in the Middle East region, long periods on board and work stress, says Suhasini Deshmukh, Director, MedRabbits Healthcare and Clinic. A qualified nutritionist and a dedicated healthcare professional, Suhasini is an alumna of SNDT Women’s University. Excerpts from an interview

Whydoes healthcare preparedness need to become an integral part of India’s maritime workforce strategy?

The advancement of maritime activities in India is correlated with the availability of a quality seafaring workforce that is adequately trained and ready for employment. Due to the fact that seafarers often operate away from hospitals, specialists and emergency services, comprehensive pre-departure health assessment, disease prevention programmes, nutrition education and prompt clinical assistance are essential for timely detection of medical problems and protection of seafarers’ health.

By embedding the healthcare component into workforce management, India would ensure the application of the results of medical examinations, as well as follow-up medical management of the seafarers’ condition. Healthier workforce performs more safely, suffers less operational failures and demonstrates increased adaptability of the maritime sector. Adequate pre-employment checks also drastically reduce any insurance claims thus saving cost of additional premiums for ship owners.

How can comprehensive pre sea medical assessments help identify health risks before seafarers begin deployment?

A medical assessment conducted before going at sea contributes to getting insight into the health of a seafarer prior to their work in an environment where medical help may not be widely available. Apart from the determination of medical fitness, a complete evaluation including a medical examination, necessary tests and medical history is able to pinpoint potential issues like high blood pressure, high glucose levels, cardiovascular problems, eyesight and hearing problems and make it possible to take precautions to prevent them from emerging in the future.

The value of screening lies in subsequent actions taken after the assessment. When a potential health issue is identified, it is essential to refer the patient to a qualified medical facility for further investigations and treatment. Qualified medical centers can assist in this taking into consideration that the medical assessment is done according to set up rules and regulations and in a thorough manner in order to accurately reflect the person’s state of health precisely.

What is the importance of preventive healthcare and nutrition in maintaining the long term health and performance of seafarers?

Preventive healthcare and nutrition are important in managing the health of maritime workload as seafarers spend a long time without seeing their regular health providers. The long working hours, lack of a proper sleeping pattern, limited food options and restricted leisure time for physical activities may have their toll on their health.

Nutrition is especially important since eating habits contribute to controlling such diseases as obesity, diabetes and hypertension. The seafarers need to have access to proper food and water and some recommendations regarding their nutrition based on their personal health needs and conditions.

The industry needs to adopt a proactive approach where seafarers are provided with health education opportunities before and during their work on the ship. Medical centers, shipping companies and management of the ships can cooperate in the implementation of the healthy practices. Mental wellbeing of seafarers is an equally growing concern due to ongoing war and conflicts in the Middle East region, long periods on board and work stress.

How can early identification and management of health conditions help reduce avoidable medical emergencies at sea?

Medical emergencies on the sea get complicated even more when a seafarer's underlying health problem is not detected or treated properly. Even if not all emergencies can be avoided, early detection makes it possible to decrease the risks connected to some specific diseases. For example, uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular risk can be diagnosed before the beginning of voyage, which gives an opportunity to start treatment, suggest lifestyle changes and establish whether further medical evaluation is necessary. It is especially important for seafarers who can be away from health care services for a few weeks or months.

It means that the approach should be broader than just issuing a medical certificate. A seafarer who has health issues should be trained on how to deal with it, including taking medications on time, knowing warning signs and planning follow-up visits.

What is the role of certified medical centers in supporting a safer, healthier and more sustainable maritime workforce?

Certified medical centers bridge the gap between regulatory medical standards and the health of seafarers and shipping personnel. These centres help ensure that medical assessments are carried out according to required standards with sufficient medical expertise, the use of adequate diagnostic equipment and proper documentation. The quality of medical assessment is influenced not just by conducting tests. It also depends on the systematic evaluation of the health status of the seafarer, accurate understanding of test results and proper suggestions for further medical assistance when required.

At MedRabbits Healthcare and Clinic, our certification from the Directorate General of Shipping allows us to carry out mandatory pre-sea medical assessments of marine officers and workers. By using our knowledge and skills, we help make a significant impact on maritime healthcare.

How can India strengthen its maritime healthcare ecosystem as its seafaring workforce continues to grow?

The maritime healthcare system in India requires a shift from being focused purely on pre-departure fitness certification to allowing seafarers to receive medical care at different points of their careers. As the seafaring workforce expands, the industry must develop healthcare systems that satisfy both urgent medical needs and those of safety and long-term health.

One crucial area where improvements are needed is the need for establishing certification medical stations in prominent places within the maritime sector, as well as ensuring that appropriate diagnostic equipment and professional teams of doctors in charge are available. India should also ensure the smooth flow of care through the use of digital medical records whenever needed, as well as health checkups at certain periods and good coordination of medical institutions, employers and seafarers. Preventive health programs targeting such aspects as healthy nutrition, chronic diseases prevention and psychological health should be developed. Mental wellness programs also should be an integral and voluntary part of pre joining assessment.