Shadows of the pandemic: Healthcare woes in Mumbai’s informal settlements

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the harsh realities of healthcare access in Mumbai’s informal settlements, the effects of which continue to linger. People are still navigating financial and distance barriers, and their trust in allopathy and the public healthcare system has waned.

As part of our research on the change in healthcare decision-making within informal settlements in the wake of the pandemic, we found that the financial losses that people experienced during this time forced them to delay seeking medical attention. They often turned to local health practitioners or home remedies, which served as a more accessible and affordable alternative. These forms of health-seeking behaviour have all but eliminated their prior reliance on the public healthcare system.  

Saraswati Kadkao, a 27-year-old resident of Kamala Nagar, says, “Distance and money became huge obstacles. With clinics out of reach and finances tight, I turned to Ayurveda and home remedies for treating ailments such as chronic coughs, respiratory infections, and fever.” Dharmendra, a 61-year-old resident from Golibar, says, “I travelled long distances to see a doctor, but there would be a lot of waiting, and my turn would not come as the doctor’s timings would end for the day. In the hospital too, there were no beds available. This led us to consult a local doctor.”

Each settlement typically had at least one local practitioner. However, the credibility of these local doctors remains a significant concern. During our visit to one such clinic in Kamala Nagar, which many residents reported visiting due to the affordable care it offered, we noticed a lack of visible certifications or degrees on display—an unusual sight in healthcare establishments. Our attempts to inquire about the doctor’s qualifications were rebuffed. The receptionist did not permit us to meet the doctor and was hesitant to engage in conversation, appearing uncomfortable with our presence. This lack of transparency bolstered our concerns about the quality of care provided.  

Social media and word of mouth have also become primary sources of health information since the pandemic. Residents even reported turning to trusted community members for guidance. “My neighbour, who is an Ayurvedic doctor, became our go-to person for health advice,” says Ramesh from Nehru Nagar. “He would give us kadha (traditional herbal drink) recipes from time to time. We also tried various concoctions that were shared on our local WhatsApp groups.”

Aditi Desai is a senior research analyst at Centre for New Economic Studies, OP Jindal Global University.

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