Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Ganpati Health Camps Find High Diabetes Risk Among Devotees
The Eyebetes Foundation has offered free health checks during the Ganpati festival since 2016.
The checks look for diabetes and eyesight problems.
The foundation says four out of every ten screened people over age 40 had diabetes or were at risk of developing it.
Among people over 60, the figure was about six out of ten.
Many people found out about their blood sugar levels for the first time at these camps.
The camps also found that about seven out of ten attendees did not have perfect 6/6 vision.
Some people may see better simply by getting the right glasses.
Early checks can help people find health problems before they become more serious.
Eyebetes Foundation screenings found at least 40% of participants above 40 were prediabetic or diabetic.
The proportion rose to around 60% among screened participants above 60, according to the foundation.
More than 10,000 people are screened annually during the 10-day Ganpati festival initiative.
Around 70% of attendees could not achieve 6/6 vision, with some cases correctable through prescription glasses.
This year, more than 15,000 people are expected to receive free screenings at two Mumbai Ganpati locations.
- Who
- The Eyebetes Foundation, founded by eye and retina surgeon Dr Nishant Kumar, and Ganpati devotees attending its camps.
- What
- A decade of free diabetes and eye screenings found high rates of prediabetes, diabetes and uncorrected or inadequately corrected vision.
- When
- The screenings have been conducted during the 10-day Ganpati festival since 2016; this year's program is also planned.
- Where
- Mumbai, including the Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi and the GSB Ganpati Mandal at King's Circle.
- Why
- To identify diabetes and vision problems early, including conditions that may remain undetected or show few symptoms.
- Screening period
- Conducted during the Ganpati festival since 2016, covering 10 years of observations.
- Annual reach
- More than 10,000 people are screened every year.
- Diabetes risk above 40
- At least 40% of screened people above 40 were reported to be prediabetic or diabetic.
- Diabetes risk above 60
- Around 60% of screened people above 60 were reported to be prediabetic or diabetic.
- Vision finding
- Around 70% of attendees could not achieve 6/6 vision.
- Screening methods
- The camps use HbA1c, random blood sugar tests, visual assessments and non-mydriatic retinal imaging.
- Expected reach this year
- More than 15,000 people are expected to be screened at two Mumbai locations.