The Present and Future of Urban Health : A Comparative Study of Indicators And Master Plans of Cities In India

Abstract

In the light of growing urbanization across the globe and in India, a comprehensive urban health approach is mandatory for ensuring the present and future cities becoming healthier. Healthy cities results in healthy residents. A healthy city ensures the health and well-being of its populace. While the approaches of the responsible agencies towards urban health are often disconnected and in silos, India needs a comprehensive urban health framework that incorporates the principles of liveability and sustainability in its approach. The Covid-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerability of health systems across the world, more particularly the urban health systems. Urban centres became the hotspots, owing to their high population density and the co-morbidities in their population. With the possibilities of such pandemics in the future, it becomes more important to assess the existing urban health approach. This study aims to assess the health approaches of major cities in India and develop a comprehensive approach for the future, which could enable a functional and capable urban health ecosystem.