Mangaluru: Recognising the often-overlooked occupational health risks faced by fishers, particularly women vendors, the Arabian Sea Fisheries Management Coordination Committee (Sea=MC²) launched an initiative to study and address skin-related ailments among fishing communities at landing centres and fish markets.Dr Shivakumar Magada, director general of the committee, said the initiative aims to understand the harsh working conditions fishers endure and provide practical medical support without disrupting their livelihood.“The skin is the first point of contact for fishers. They handle fish continuously, often in wet conditions, under intense sunlight, rain, and exposure to ice. This constant exposure leads to bruises, wounds, fungal infections, sunburn, cracks, and cold burns, many of which go untreated,” Dr Magada said.He noted that women fish vendors are particularly vulnerable, as they spend long hours in unhygienic and harsh environments, frequently handling fish with their bare hands. While protective gloves could help, many vendors avoid using them as they believe that it reduces their efficiency and affect their business.“In reality, working with bare hands increases the risk of infections and disease transmission. Our goal is not just treatment, but education, to help them understand safe handling practices, hygiene, and preventive care,” he explained.As part of the initiative, Sea=MC² will organise free dermatology camps at landing centres and fish markets, bringing healthcare services directly to fishers instead of requiring them to visit hospitals. “We want to reach them where they work. It is difficult for fishers, especially women, to leave their business and seek medical care. So we will conduct camps at landing centres on days that do not affect their earnings,” Dr Magada said.The programme will begin with awareness campaigns, followed by periodic medical camps providing free consultations and basic treatment kits, including antifungal creams, sunscreens, moisturisers, and first aid supplies. On Sunday, the committee conducted a pilot Skin Health Camp in collaboration with the Druva Flat Association, benefiting over 60 participants. The camp served as both a medical outreach and a learning opportunity, he said.Further strengthening the initiative, Sea=MC² planned awareness walkathons and camps at the Old Port and State Bank fish market from March 7 onwards to educate fishers about occupational hazards, preventive care, and health insurance options. Preliminary field visits to fish markets found women vendors prone to fungal infections, sunburn, and untreated skin conditions due to prolonged exposure and lack of awareness.He also acknowledged the support of medical professionals, including Dr Surya Bramara, Dr Suchetha, and Dr Erol.
