Amit Srivastava

Mumbai recorded 12,077 Medical Termination of Pregnancy cases between April and December 2025, with 10,857 linked to improper, inadequate or failed contraceptive use. Health experts have called for stronger family planning awareness, improved counselling and better access to reliable contraception to reduce unintended pregnancies across the city.

The Maharashtra FDA arrested 32 people, sealed 26 establishments and seized banned gutkha and pan masala worth Rs 12.16 lakh during raids conducted across the state on May 30 and 31. Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said strict action against those endangering public health will continue, while a new complaint app and helpline are also being planned.

Following the Pune hooch tragedy that claimed at least 15 lives, the Maharashtra FDA has launched a statewide inspection of 970 industrial chemical suppliers. Authorities seized nearly 5,929 kg of methanol from a Thane-based company and also uncovered food adulteration cases, including a jaggery-sugar racket in Pune, under the Safe Food, Safe Drug, Safe Maharashtra campaign.

In Mumbai last week, families of three brain-dead patients donated organs, giving new life to at least four recipients, ZTCC Mumbai reported. Mehul Kararia's liver, kidneys, corneas, and bones were retrieved, while other donations included livers and corneas from elderly donors at Fortis Hospital, Mulund. These cases raised the year's deceased organ donation count to 28 in the city.

A 38-year-old man paralysed below the neck after a cervical spinal injury regained independent breathing at Wockhardt Hospitals Mumbai Central. Consultant Dr. Manish Baldia performed a phrenic nerve stimulation procedure, activating the diaphragm. Within weeks, the patient could breathe without a ventilator, speak, and even sing.

Mumbai Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadigaonkar reviewed healthcare facilities at Kherwadi Urban Health Centre and Vishnuprasad Nandray Desai Hospital, directing officials to expedite renovation and infrastructure upgrades. He stressed improved sanitation, patient amenities, medical services and timely completion of health-related development projects.

Doctors and healthcare organisations in Mumbai marked World No Tobacco Day with street plays and awareness campaigns in Ganesh Galli and Kalachowki. The initiative highlighted the health risks of smoking, gutka and chewing tobacco, while urging citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles and support a tobacco-free Mumbai.

Tata Memorial Centre concluded a two-day workshop on tobacco control and cessation in Mumbai to mark World No Tobacco Day 2026. Experts highlighted the growing burden of tobacco-related cancers in India, called for stronger control policies and wider cessation services, and discussed addiction treatment, counselling techniques, and public health interventions.

Experts at MIPSICON 4.0 in Mumbai warned that chronic pain, spine degeneration and musculoskeletal disorders are becoming major public health concerns in India. Specialists highlighted advanced minimally invasive treatments and stressed the importance of early intervention to reduce disability and improve quality of life.

NFHS-6 showed a sharp rise in diabetes and hypertension among Maharashtra adults, especially in urban areas, the report said. Women with high blood sugar or diabetes medication use rose from 12.4% to 16%, while men rose from 13.64% to 17.7%. Urban prevalence reached 19.3% among women and 20.4% among men in the latest survey findings across Maharashtra.