As per the data revealed by a non-profit organization, the percentage (76%) of patients going to the public hospitals on OPD basis was far more than public dispensaries (24%) at the local level.
Dispensaries witnessed a trickle-down effect on OPD patient inflow last year, with most choosing public hospitals for treatment. The reasons being fewer number of dispensaries, lack of facilities and less manpower.
As per the data revealed by a non-profit organization, the percentage (76%) of patients going to the public hospitals on OPD basis was far more than public dispensaries (24%) at the local level.
In four wards (K/W, P/S, R/N, and T), there is only one dispensary for more than one lakh population. "While the city has one public dispensary for 40,598 people, in western and eastern suburbs there is one public dispensary for 86,360 and 72,263 respectively," said Milind Mhaske, Director at Praja Foundation.
While the National Urban Health Mission prescribe one public dispensary per 15,000 population, none of the administrative wards in the city meets this requirement.
The Trigger
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While 76% of OPD patients went to government hospitals, only 24% went to dispensaries
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| The reasons being few dispensaries, lack of facilities and less manpower |
"The number of dispensaries needs to be increased to ensure delivery of basic health service at the local level. The timings of dispensaries need to be changed to make them more accessible to the public, especially the working population," added Mhaske.
While the BMC recently announced starting an evening dispensary as a pilot project, it has not seen see the light of day.
Amey Ghole, chairman of BMC's health committee, said, "From Wednesday, 15 dispensaries across the city will remain open late in the evening. The main motive is to make them more accessible and citizen-friendly. The evening dispensaries will focus mainly on making the process digital, reducing paperwork."
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