RAS AL KHAIMAH // Hundreds of taxi drivers received free iftar packages and free neck and back assessments from RAK Hospital on Tuesday.
If they have any neck or back issues, cabbies will be able to follow up at the hospital with a free consultation with a specialist in a bid to ease the discomfort that comes from prolonged periods of sitting behind the wheel.
Tinku Jose, a neck and back specialist and neurosurgeon at RAK Hospital, said that driving for long hours is an exhausting job and affects the neck and back bone health of drivers.
“It stiffens the spine, slows down blood circulation and builds up a lot of tension around shoulder blades,” Mr Jose said.
“Eventually, it can lead to poor posture and constant backache. This is why, this Ramadan, we are trying to drive home the importance of bone health, and hopefully the free services provided will help cab drivers assess where they stand.”
Raza Siddiqui, the chief executive of Arabian Healthcare Group and executive director at the hospital, added that giving the taxi drivers iftar packages is to help them break their fast while on the go, without having to deviate from their route.
RAK Hospital conducts several corporate social responsibility campaigns across various areas each year.
roueiti@thenational.ae
