ABSTRACT
Cities that are mismanaged can be a hotbed of communicable diseases, vector-borne diseases and mental stress. According to the WHO, the factors influencing urban health include urban governance, population characteristics, the natural and built environment, social and economic development, services and health emergency management, and food security. Air pollution is a major environmental risk to health. By reducing air pollution levels, countries can reduce the burden of disease from stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and both chronic and acute respiratory diseases, including asthma. Lower the levels of air pollution, the better the cardiovascular and respiratory health of the population, both in the long term and the short term. (WHO, 2016)
Being the capital city, Delhi provides one of the best of medical facilities in the country, but at the same time poses several and unique health issues. Citizens of Delhi suffer from environmental health issues and lifestyle diseases. The prominent diseases are cardio vascular diseases, respiratory problems, diabetes and depression. This chapter analyses the health situation in Delhi, based on three broad parameters: Life expectancy and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), pollution and lifestyle diseases, and health challenges and acquiring green services for health. This chapter analyses both secondary and primary information. It also discusses the people’s satisfaction in the context to health services and environmental conditions of the city.
