ABSTRACT
The objectives of the study were to document the morbidity profile of the workers working in garment factories while treating them for the same and to document any likely occupational problems faced by the workers and suggest measures to improve work and health conditions. This study was conducted in 2003-2004 at eight garment factories employing more than 4000 workers. Data was obtained from the records of the annual medical check up that was provided for the workers of this industry. The records of the annual medical check up for 3858 were perused. The data was entered into Excel spreadsheet and analysed. The workforce consisted mainly of women in the 21-30 years age group, while males being more in the supervisory and mechanical cadres. None of them had undergone a periodic medical examination. Musculoskeletal problems were the commonest pre-existing morbidity reported by workers and the same problem was reported by most as being a probable occupational problem. Malnutrition at both ends of the spectrum was also detected. Hypertension was found in nearly 2.5% of the employees. An annual medical check up provided to the workers is likely to yield a large number and variety of morbidity as seen in our study. Our experience has shown that the support of the management of the factory is crucial to the success of such a large scale programme