Stalin inaugurates Katpadi’s first UPHC

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Thursday virtually inaugurated three Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCS) in Vellore and Ranipet districts, including the first such facility in Katpadi, ending a long-standing demand of residents.

Health officials said a UPHC serves a population of 50,000 and at present, 13 centres have been functioning within the Vellore Corporation limits.

“The UPHC in Katpadi will focus on all government health programmes, including vaccination and general health check-up,” R. Lakshmanan, Commissioner, Vellore Corporation, told The Hindu.

Built at a cost of ₹1.2 crore each, the UPHCs at Katpadi and Otteri in Vellore feature better facilities such as separate cabins for a duty doctor, four nurses, and other staff; a common visitors’ hall; separate wards for specialised treatment; laboratory facilities; and well-furnished pharmacy with additional stocks. They will function between 8 a.m and 3 p.m on all days except Sundays.

They have operation theatres and six beds for in-patients. Adequate parking space for ambulances and other vehicles are also provided.

“Now, women and senior citizens can easily gain access to better healthcare facilities. Earlier, we had to travel to the health centre in Old Town (Vellore), around 8 km from here,” said C. Pavitra, a resident.

In Ranipet, which has 36 PHCs, the UPHC was opened at Kavanur village near Arcot town. Earlier, residents had to travel at least 8-10 km to reach Thimiri, the nearest town that has a health centre. Land for the new centre was donated by residents.

On an average, each PHC should span two acres, whereas an upgraded health centre should cover five acres to provide more facilities such as staff quarters, additional buildings, and parking facilities.

Five Urban Health and Wellness Centres, each built at  ₹25 lakh, were also opened within the Vellore Corporation limits. The centre will have a doctor, a nurse, and a sanitation inspector. Each centre will function between 8 a.m. and noon, and 4 p.m.-8 p.m. on all days.