HBT clinics better than private facilities, say Mumbaikars

Patients at an HBT Clinic in Worli. Women outnumber men at these clinics, say doctors

BMC's flagship Aapla Davakhana-Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray (HBT) clinic has been drawing crowds who previously sought consultations at private facilities. With advertisements on numerous BEST buses, as well as at stops and hoardings throughout the city, the initiative launched in 2022 is one of the most widely publicised. Patients from two clinics in the G-south ward also mentioned that this was their first time utilising any of BMC's health facilities.

Suman Singh, a 50-year-old homemaker who moved to Worli three years ago from Airoli, discovered she had diabetes a year ago during a blood test. "I used to visit private doctors for common ailments. After being diagnosed with diabetes, a neighbour told me about the HBT clinic. There were also many ads, so I decided to seek treatment here," she said.

Since then, Suman has been visiting the HBT clinic near Jambori Maidan for routine blood tests, common ailments like cold and fever, as well as her diabetes medication. "There was a perception that doctors and staff at public facilities scream at patients, but nobody does that here," she added. Like Suman, 70-year-old Ashok Pavle also visited a BMC-run facility for the first time. "I had a minor accident and needed a tetanus shot. This is my first time at this clinic, but so far, the experience has been good."

Unlike other hospitals and public facilities, what made Pavle happy was the lack of long waiting queues. Despite seeing about 120 patients between 3 pm and 10 pm, the waiting time for consultation is minimal, and any necessary tests and medications are provided free of charge.

Preferred clinics

HBT clinics have become a preferred destination for those living in close proximity, particularly due to the surge in monsoon-related ailments. Rohit Bhise, in his mid-30s, stated that he was diagnosed with malaria at the clinic. "I live near the clinic but had never visited this or any other BMC facility before. When I had a fever last month, this was the nearest one, so I decided to visit it. The treatment has been better than private facilities," he said.

In the 2023-24 budget, the BMC allocated Rs 50 crore to increase the number of HBT clinics across the city from 106 to 227. Six HBT clinics are located in G-south, with some of them established in May. One such clinic in Prabhadevi is situated on the first floor of an SRA building, towards the end of Saisundar Nagar. The road leading to the building is unpaved, and not many in the area are aware of the facility. "More people will start visiting once they become aware of it," said Lata, 45, who was visiting the facility for the treatment of a fever.

More women utilise facility

Doctors at G-South HBT clinics said more women utilise the facility than men. "I have patients coming from slums, as well as upper-middle-class individuals seeking consultation here. This is likely because the clinic remains open late and is convenient for the working population," said Dr Shruti Mishra, who is posted at the Worli clinic.

The highest surge of patients at most HBT clinics is after 7 pm. "On many days, female patients outnumber male patients. Homemakers start coming in during the afternoon and early evening," she said. While G-South health department representatives indicated a shortage of supplies and testing facilities at some dispensaries, Dr Mishra asserted that whenever the medicines are about to go out of stock, senior officials are informed, and the requirement is fulfilled on time.

Dr Swapnil Bhingare, who works at Jijamata Nagar HBT clinic, said, "Noncommunicable diseases (NCD) patients visit frequently for their medication, and we definitely see more women than men." "We have basic blood tests and advanced blood tests available here. Depending on the case, we recommend patients avail either or both," he said.