Have you ever wondered what impact your everyday actions have on the health of the city around you? Can small changes in lifestyle and community engagement significantly improve urban well-being? What role do future leaders equipped with a development management education play in creating healthier cities? These are the kinds of questions that city dwellers must grapple with as urban spaces continue to expand and face growing challenges.
As more of us live in cities, the strain on urban health systems, environmental resources, and community well-being intensifies. The good news? Each one of us has the power to make a positive change through personal choices or larger, organised efforts.
How can city dwellers improve urban health and well-being?
Urban health isn’t just about access to hospitals or clinics. It’s a broader concept that includes the physical environment, social connections, mental health, and community engagement. So, how can city dwellers actively contribute to improving the health and well-being of the cities they call home?
Adopt sustainable practices
City life can sometimes feel disconnected from nature but urban dwellers can still take steps to reduce their environmental footprint. By recycling, reducing waste, conserving water, and opting for greener transportation like cycling or walking, individuals can play a significant role in creating cleaner, healthier urban spaces. These practices also promote personal well-being through healthier lifestyle choices.
Engage in community initiatives
Strong social networks are crucial for improving urban well-being. Participating in local initiatives—whether it’s volunteering for a neighbourhood clean-up, organising health workshops, or joining a community garden—can foster a sense of belonging and improve both physical and mental health. When city dwellers work together on community projects, it strengthens the social fabric and enhances overall urban well-being.
Support green spaces
Green spaces like parks, gardens, and urban forests play a crucial role in maintaining both mental and physical health in cities. By advocating for more green spaces and actively using them, city dwellers can contribute to better air quality, reduced urban heat, and improved mental health. Nature has a calming effect, and access to green areas can significantly reduce stress and anxiety.
Promote active lifestyles
Encouraging and adopting an active lifestyle can dramatically improve urban health. Walking, jogging, or cycling enhance personal fitness and reduce pollution levels. City dwellers can promote health by participating in and advocating for pedestrian-friendly urban designs that make cities more walkable and liveable.
Be conscious of mental well-being
In fast-paced urban environments, mental health often takes a backseat. City dwellers can improve urban well-being by prioritising their mental health and supporting initiatives that foster emotional wellness, such as community mental health workshops or meditation groups. Creating supportive, open environments for discussing mental health can lead to healthier, more resilient communities.
How can Development Management programmes offered by top B-schools help?
While individuals can make a difference, broader, systemic changes require leaders who understand the complexities of urban health and well-being. This is where Development Management programmes like the Post Graduate Programme in Development Management (PGPDM) from leading B-schools like the S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR) come into play. These programmes equip students with the knowledge and skills to address social issues like urban health and create sustainable, impactful solutions.
Development management graduates learn about sustainable urban planning, public health initiatives, and community development, gaining the tools to address the multifaceted challenges cities face. They are trained to lead projects that reduce inequality, promote inclusive growth, and enhance the overall quality of life in urban settings.
By raising awareness about urban health and well-being, development management graduates can inspire others to take action, from government officials and corporate leaders to everyday citizens. With their training, these graduates can design policies, lead campaigns, and drive initiatives that reshape urban spaces into healthier environments.
How can development management graduates make a positive impact on community well-being?
Graduates of development management programmes like the PGPDM are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between community needs and urban planning and achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 11), the fundamental right to a clean environment, social-cultural harmony and solidarity, accessible cities.
By leveraging their education, they can:
- Raise awareness: Graduates can organise city-wide campaigns to educate the public about sustainable practices, mental health awareness, and the importance of community involvement in improving urban health.
- Advocate for policy change: With their expertise in urban development, graduates can influence policymakers to implement city planning strategies that prioritise green spaces, public health infrastructure, and active living.
- Lead community-driven initiatives: Equipped with leadership skills, graduates can spearhead initiatives that mobilise citizens to take collective action for healthier cities, whether through environmental conservation projects, health workshops, or urban beautification efforts.
- Collaborate with governments and NGOs: Development Management graduates are well-versed in forming partnerships between public and private sectors. By collaborating with governments, NGOs, and corporations, they can create sustainable urban health solutions that benefit all city dwellers.
Example – A case study: Assessing services and accessibility of urban primary health centers for geriatric population in Mumbai
Participant: Sujata Yadav, Batch 21
Organisation: Americares India
Area of impact: Health and well-being
In alignment with the following SDGs
3
Good health and well-being
10
Reduced inequality
11
Sustainable cities and communities
Project description
This project took a deep dive into the adequacy of primary care services for the elderly, focusing on both structural and operational challenges. It highlighted the need for redesigning spaces to be more accessible, including ramp-friendly layouts, and enhancing staff skills through targeted training. To further boost service delivery, outreach initiatives such as increasing access to equipment and raising awareness through campaigns were proposed. These efforts aimed to close existing gaps and improve the overall quality, accessibility, and affordability of healthcare for the elderly in urban Mumbai, aligning with the goals of the National Programme for the Health Care of the Elderly.
Conclusion: The path to healthier cities
City dwellers can play a crucial role in shaping the health and well-being of their urban environments, but systemic change requires strong leadership and well-informed decision-makers. Development Management programmes from leading B-schools provide aspiring leaders with the tools they need to drive meaningful change. By combining individual action with systemic solutions, we can all work towards creating healthier, more sustainable cities that benefit everyone.
