‘Dharavi Model’ of COVID-19 Management

Dharavi is a slum in Mumbai that reported some 99 COVID-19 cases every day in April 2021. But, in last some days, number of cases is declining gradually. According to officials, ‘Dharavi model’ of COVID-19 management and vaccination drive have helped in containing second wave in the slum.

Cases in Dharavi

• According to ‘Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)’, slum cluster which spread across 2.5 square kilometres and located on border of island city, reported three and four cases in last two days, even though, Mumbai is witnessing coronavirus cases in four digits daily.
• There were total of 6,802 COVID-19 patients out of which 6,398 have recovered, while 354 have died.

What is Dharavi Model?

Rise in initial phase of second covid wave pushed civic authorities to once again to initiate the “Dharavi model”. The model involves 4Ts which stands for “tracing, tracking, testing and treating”. This strategy was also praised by World Health Organisation (WHO) during first wave of COVID-19. This model was activated in February 2021 again as the second wave started. Under the model, Door-to-door screening of people is conducted with symptoms, aggressive testing and regular screening.

About Dharavi

Dharavi is a slum cluster with a population of 6.5 lakh. Thus, about 2,27,136 people living per sq km. As a result, social distancing was not impossible in Dharavi as families of 8 to 10 people live in 10×10 hutments. Apart from congested pockets, area is home to small-scale leather, pottery and textile manufacturing units. It has 5,000 GST-registered enterprises and 15,000 single-room factories.  It is also a hub of international exports with an annual turnover of $1 billion.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2021