The Indian Express                        09.04.2013

BMC creates diabetes database, registered users to get monthly SMS health updates

BMC on Monday launched a diabetes registry as part of its plan to curb the increasing incidence of lifestyle diseases among urban population. The database has 10,000 registered diabetics, all reported from civic dispensaries.

"The purpose is to keep track of those who are in their pre-diabetic as well as diabetic phase. We have the addresses and phone numbers of registered patients so it becomes easier to follow up with them in case of drop-out treatment. We will also send monthly health updates to registered patients via SMS," said senior BMC official Daksha Shah.

The civic body has started a door-to-door campaign to identify diabetes patients and direct them for appropriate treatment.

During a recent 15-day campaign organised by the BMC across 24 health posts, around 750 people were diagnosed with diabetes. "It is a misconception that diabetes is a rich man's disease. There should be focus on people in slum areas, too. The registry will help us in this regard," said additional municipal commissioner Manisha Mhaiskar.

A booklet titled 'Mumbai, Begin Today' was also launched on Monday. The booklet, meant for the public, highlights the need for youngsters as well as adults to maintain certain health lifestyle habits. "With increasingly stressful routines, unhealthy lifestyles are common among youngsters and adults. Through the booklet, we aim at spreading awareness about the ill effects of such lifestyles and small changes that can be made in diet, attitudes and daily routines that will help in leading healthier lives," said Shah.

Initially, 100 copies of the booklet have been published in English and Marathi. The BMC plans to publish more copies in Hindi as well and distribute them in schools and colleges.

Action plan to curb diabetes

The database has 10,000 registered diabetics, all reported from civic dispensaries

The civic body has started a door-to-door campaign to identify diabetes patients and direct them for appropriate treatment

During a recent 15-day campaign organised by the BMC across 24 health posts, around 750 people were diagnosed with diabetes

A booklet titled 'Mumbai, Begin Today' was also launched. It highlights need for certain lifestyle habits