Tiruchi Corporation speeds up construction of urban health centres

In an effort to improve public access to healthcare services, Tiruchi Corporation has expedited the construction of new urban primary health centres (UPHCs) and urban health sub-centres (HSCs) across the city,

The move comes in response to increasing public patronage of UPHCs in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed the urgent need to expand public health infrastructure.

Officials said the new centres were expected to ease pressure on existing facilities and offer hassle-free access to essential medical services, particularly for economically weaker sections.

Under the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM), the scheme envisions establishing one UPHC for every 50,000 people. With a population of 12 lakh, Tiruchi requires 24 UPHCs to ensure adequate healthcare coverage. At present, the city has 18 UPHCs and 36 health and wellness centres.

Several new UPHCs are under construction, while existing centres are being renovated and expanded. A new facility is being built at Panjapur with provision for inpatient facility, consultation rooms, and labs. The centre is aimed at covering low-income groups in the locality. Similarly, new facilities are being constructed at Lakshmi Nagar in Srirangam, Kongu Nagar in Ariyamangalam and Pappakurichi in Kattur at ₹1.20 crore each. New UPHCs are being established at Erikarai Main Road in Subramaniyapuram and Beerangikulam at a cost of ₹1.50 crore each.

Construction of additional buildings for the UPHCs is underway in Pappakurichi, Teppakulam, and Beemanagar areas, with an outlay of ₹60 lakh each. Similarly, urban health sub-centres are being established at Thiruvanaikovil, Ariyamangalam, and Khajamalai at a cost of ₹30 lakh each.

Meanwhile, urban health sub-centres at K.K. Nagar, Pandamangalam, Rail Nagar, Melur, JJ Nagar, Malai Kovil and Edamalaipattipudur, which were built at a cost of ₹30 lakh each, and additional buildings for the Thennur UPHC are ready for inauguration.

“The construction work is progressing at a brisk pace, and work at several sub-health centres is at finishing stages and is expected to be completed within two months,” said M. Vijay Chandran, City Health Officer.

The new centres are being set up in the city under the National Urban Health Mission with financial assistance from the Central and State governments.