Diabetes has become the leading cause of death in Mumbai, with an alarming rise in fatalities over the last decade. According to the Praja Foundation’s report, Status of Health Issues in Mumbai, diabetes-related deaths increased from 2,544 in 2014 to 14,207 in 2022, totaling 91,318 deaths over nine years. Respiratory illnesses and tuberculosis have also taken a toll, claiming 79,384 and 45,676 lives, respectively, due to factors like deteriorating air quality.
Key Findings and Recommendations:
- Open Space Deficit: Praja Foundation attributes rising non-communicable diseases to urban planning issues, emphasizing that Mumbai’s Development Plan (2014–2034) allocates only 3 sq meters of open space per person, far below the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) guideline of 10 sq meters. The foundation recommends expanding open spaces to promote physical activity and well-being.
- Diabetes Impact Underestimated: Dr. Rajiv Kovil, from the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India, highlighted that many diabetes-related deaths go uncounted as they may result from secondary conditions like infections. He advocates for policy interventions, such as taxing unhealthy foods and making healthier options more accessible, to curb diabetes mortality.
- Healthcare Infrastructure Gaps: The report notes critical shortfalls in healthcare access despite a 98% increase in Mumbai’s health budget over six years. For instance, the city has only 313 dispensaries instead of the required 838, leaving an especially high shortage in eastern suburbs with significant slum populations.
- Civic Health Department’s Response: Civic health officials disputed the necessity of additional dispensaries, pointing to private clinics as substitutes in some areas. They argued that healthcare facility expansion is based on localized assessments and that private clinics provide services in many slum regions.
This report underscores the urgent need for enhanced urban planning, healthcare access, and targeted policies to combat the city’s rising non-communicable disease rates, particularly diabetes.