Suresh Kumar Rathi
Urbanization refers to the population shift from rural to urban areas. It began during the industrial revolution. Urbanization creates enormous social, economic and environmental changes. Climate change is considered as the greatest threat to human health of the 21st century. Rapid urbanization and climate change has led to increased mortality from non-communicable diseases associated with lifestyle. Differences in morbidity and mortality from new and resurgent infections vary depending on the particular disease and location. Hence, with rapid urbanization and climate change, resilience planning is very crucial. Every city is different and success of city specific urban health program depends on a city specific planning considering local factors complexity. The aim of this case study for Surat city is to explore the likely influence of urbanization and climate change especially high temperature and rain (flood) on urban health of the city. This case study briefly touched health transition and urban health, profile of Surat city, Surat Health System including Disease Surveillance System, urban challenges for Surat and possible interventions. City specific intervention package (integrated operational resilience action plan) may include migration Specific Policy, Heat and Health Action Plan, Flood Management Plan, Local adaptation and proper implementation of National Program for prevention and control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) and City Specific Disease Surveillance System. This may vary from city to city.
