The Indian Express             19.11.2013

BMC to set up mobile dispensaries in city for diabetics

Records show of the 1.5 lakh people screened at 300 kiosks here on World Diabetes Day, a significant 13 per cent were prone to diabetes. This is higher than the national average recorded at 8-12 per cent. To address this, BMC will launch a renewed campaign to deal with diabetes-prone and diabetic patients.

The three-pronged approach will include 55 diabetes dispensaries, peripheral and tertiary hospitals and an additional force of mobile centres to provide easy access for check up. "Based on the demand, the mobile centres will increase. Right now we have requested for one centre in every zone," said BMC additional municipal commissioner Manisha Mhaiskar. According to data provided by NGO Praja, the diabetic count in the city's public hospitals has increased from 23,844 in 2009 to 24,945 in 2013. However, cases recorded in private hospitals are not included in this data.

Dr Saifuddin Bandukwala, a diabetologist, said, "Normal sugar level ranges between 100-150. If it crosses 200, then diabetes control measures are necessary."

Currently, the screening done through a glucometer, is considered an indicative test. "Diabetes prone people will now undergo another test for confirmation," said Mhaiskar.