Just 199 public dispensaries in Mumbai against 858 needed: Report

MUMBAI: Stressing on the need to bolster Mumbai’s primary health care, Praja Foundation, in its white paper, said the city had fewer dispensaries in proportion to the population.
As per the National Building Code, one dispensary is needed per 15,000 population in urban areas, the report stated. In that context, Mumbai should have 858.
“But we have only 199 public dispensaries, which include both government and BMC,” said Yogesh Mishra of Praja. Wards K-W, P-S, R-S and T have only one for over 1 lakh population. Mishra said up to 12% of Mumbai’s Rs 39,000 crore budget is allotted for health, yet it is neglected. Dr Mangala Gomare, BMC executive health officer, said BMC’s 15 14-hour dispensaries (rest open for 5-8 hours) work under a PPP model. “We plan to scale it up,” she said.
A one-of-its kind centre with gynaecology to dental is coming up in Malad, she said.