Navi Mumbai: Marking World Health Day, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde emphasized the urgent need to address child malnutrition and called for the establishment of a Nutrition Rehabilitation Center (NRC) in municipal hospitals.
The announcement came during a special ceremony held at Maasaheb Minatai Thackeray Hospital, Nerul, where doctors, nurses, and health workers were felicitated for their service.
“The NRC will play a crucial role in ensuring that no child in Navi Mumbai suffers from malnutrition,” said Dr. Shinde. He also instructed officials to operationalize NRC units immediately and intensify health checkups for children in both municipal and private anganwadis and balwadis.
This year’s World Health Day theme, ‘My Health, My Right’ focused on a healthy start and a hopeful future. Dr. Shinde highlighted the importance of zeroing in on the 0-4 years age group, aiming to reduce infant and maternal mortality to zero. “Alongside medical interventions, we need strong awareness programs targeting pregnant women and their families,” he said.
At the event, the commissioner praised the performance of the municipal health department and urged them to continue delivering quality health services to citizens. He stressed the importance of documenting health initiatives and best practices as references for other civic bodies.
Airoli Hospital and Vashi Hospital were honored as the best municipal hospitals, with their medical superintendents Dr. Ravindra Mhatre and Mr. Rajesh Mhatre receiving accolades. Primary Urban Health Centers at Nerul Phase 1, CBD Belapur, and NOCIL Naka were also recognized for their excellence.
Among 477 ASHA workers, Pratiksha Panchal, Sushila Kokane, and Anisha Shaikh were felicitated as the best performers for their outstanding grassroots efforts. “ASHA workers and ANMs are the frontline force in community health—it's their vigilance and dedication that ensure preventive care reaches every home,” said Dr. Shinde.
The event was attended by senior health officials including Medical Health Officer Dr. Prashant Jawade, Assistant Health Officer Dr. Dhanwanti Ghadge, and Deputy Commissioner of Solid Waste Management Dr. Ajay Gadade. Dr. Jawade provided a detailed presentation of the department’s initiatives and progress over the past year under Dr. Shinde’s leadership.
