Namma Clinic inaugurated in Ballari

Ballari City MLA Nara Bharath Reddy, who inaugurated a new Namma Clinic at Karimaremmana Colony in Ballari on Thursday, underlined its importance in delivering quality primary healthcare services to urban population, particularly the economically weaker sections.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Reddy said that the purpose of the Namma Clinic initiative is to offer quality healthcare services to people in their neighbourhood.

“People should not have to travel long distances for basic health care. These clinics will provide free and accessible health care to local residents, especially those from low-income backgrounds,” he said.

Mr. Reddy also announced that a well-equipped hospital with an investment of ₹5 crore will soon be built in the colony.

The clinic has been set up under the joint initiative of the district administration, the Zilla Panchayat, the District Health and Family Welfare Department and the Ballari City Corporation.

District Health and Family Welfare Officer Yalla Ramesh Babu stated that 12 Namma Clinics were sanctioned for Ballari district in 2023-24.

For 2024-25, another eight, six for Ballari city, one for Siruguppa and one for Kampli, have been approved bringing the total to 20 clinics in the district.

“Each clinic will serve a population of 10,000 to 20,000 and will be manned by a doctor, a nurse, a lab technician and Group D staff,” he explained.

Alongside the Karimaremmana Colony facility, clinics were also inaugurated at Srirampura Colony and APMC Yard area the same day.

Public response

Chandrakala, a resident of Karimaremmana Colony, said: “Earlier, we had to visit health centres far away for even minor health issues. Having this clinic in our locality is a big relief. I thank the government for this initiative.”

Another resident, Chandini, noted, “This building remained unused for many days. We are happy that it is now serving a useful purpose.”

Corporation council member Minchu Srinivas, District Surgeon N. Basareddy, RCH Officer Hanumanthappa, District Surveillance Officer Mariyambi, Leprosy Officer Veerendra Kumar, TB Officer Indrani and Health Education Officer Khurshid Begum were present, along with staff from the clinics and members of the public.