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Plug In Urbanism- Transforming Healthcare and Disaster Response

Source: ​Pahava Vitthal

Many regions in Maharashtra lack adequate secondary and tertiary healthcare, qualified teachers, and disaster preparedness. People often travel long distances for medical care, and schools struggle with limited resources. Coastal communities, like those affected by cyclones Nisarg and Tauktae, are particularly vulnerable. Addressing these gaps in healthcare, education and disaster preparedness across Maharashtra would require comprehensive approach from the government in terms of extensive resources, funding and timscales. 

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At Urban Centre Mumbai, we are currently working on research proposals for "Plug-in Urbanism" as a concept, envisioned as a flexible and effective way to address major gaps in healthcare, education and disaster preparedness in short time periods. 

Role of Plug-in Urbanism

During events/ pilgrimages like the Pandharpur Wari, Marbat Festival, Kumbh Mela,  which witnesses a large number of visitors including senior citizens, mobile healthcare units for medical aid and check-ups like ophthalmology, dental treatment, blood banks and similar such can be set up quite efficiently.

  • Temporary infrastructure and essential services can be provided including comfortable resting areas with basic amenities, mobile kitchens for meals and other supporting facilities can be deployed along pilgrimage routes or event locations to support local resources.

  • To improve disaster preparedness by offering immediate support such as mobile hospitals/ healthcare units, kitchens and for providing supplies.

  • Mobile libraries, art centres, computer workshops etc. can be set up to serve a number of public schools.

Efficiency of Plug-in Urbanism

Plug-in Urbanism provides quick, cost-effective mobile units for healthcare, education, and disaster relief across Maharashtra. These units can be deployed without large investments in land or built structures, and can serve multiple communities. It will ensure that expert health services can reach underserved areas, rapid support can be provided during emergencies and improve access to essential educational services for children state-wide. 

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  • Plug-in Urbanism uses mobile units that can be quickly deployed with minimal funding and land. These units rotate to serve larger populations, maximizing resources. ​

  • Doctors and specialists can reach more people, providing expert care where needed. In emergencies, they enable faster disaster response. ​

  • Children across Maharashtra, from villages to cities, can access vital healthcare and education, bridging regional gaps and improving opportunities.

Strategic Framework proposed by UCM

  • Organise ‘specialized health camps’ on a rotational basis between divisions of Maharashtra focusing on specific health issues such as eye care, dental health etc. and at large-scale events mentioned above.

  • Use plug-in urbanism effectively to improve governmental authorities' response capabilities and ensure timely assistance for communities impacted by disasters like cyclones, earthquakes or other disasters.​

  • Make use of plug-in urbanism effectively enhance existing government initiatives, such as the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) or Smart Cities Mission in India.​

  • The State Disaster Management Plan (SDMP) with district-level authorities as mediators, can moderate and coordinate funding allocation at state/ central level and resource distribution at local level.

  • ‘Library on Wheels’ in the form of mobile libraries that travel through districts, providing access to books, educational material, computer technology, especially in small communities which lack core funding.

  • ‘Scheduling by Division’ could be implemented like a cyclical system throughout the year, based on the unique needs and cultural calendars of each division.

  • For example: The Mumbai Division can focus on urban health issues and skill development in tourism and hospitality, whereas the agrarian health needs including training on sustainable farming practices can be addressed for Nagpur Division.

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