Mumbai: The state public health department is conducting a comprehensive survey across major state and municipal hospitals, as well as rural primary health centres, to assess their capacity to manage the increasing burden of chronic, non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The audit aims to identify shortages of essential diagnostic and treatment tools, including glucometers, testing strips, oximeters, blood pressure apparatuses, weighing scales, spirometers, ECG machines, echocardiography equipment, waterbeds for palliative care wards, and instruments for diagnosing various cancers.
Survey Objectives and Methodology
State public health joint director Dr Archana Bhosale explained that the audit is designed to establish a baseline of current infrastructure to guide future interventions. “All logistics thereafter will be based on this. We want to focus on early detection and treatment so that the disease is controlled in time before it progresses,” she said. Dr Bhosale highlighted that data collection has become more efficient due to digitisation, with a digital link created for health facilities to enter details of their existing infrastructure and requirements.
Alarming NCD Trends
The survey follows the release of the latest NFHS-6 report, which reveals concerning health trends in Maharashtra. Obesity rates have surged sharply, with statewide prevalence reaching 31.1% among women and 32.8% among men, a significant increase from NFHS-5 levels of 23.5% and 24.7%, respectively. High blood sugar levels have also risen, from 12.4% to 16.0% in women and from 13.6% to nearly 18% in men since NFHS-5. Urban populations show higher rates, with 20.4% of men and 19.3% of women affected, compared to rural counterparts at 16.4% and 14.1%.
Municipal Response
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has already directed its facilities to submit deficit and requirement data to the state health department. Dr Omprakash Vallepawar, deputy executive health officer (NCD Cell), noted, “It would also be useful for the municipal corporation to start specific programs accordingly. We already have NCD corners across all our hospitals.”
Stay updated with the latest Mumbai news. Download the TOI App.
