30 wellness centres opened in Kochi Corporation in two years

The Kochi Corporation’s project to open public-funded Urban Health and Wellness Centres (UHWC) is nearing the target, with 29 of the 38 proposed facilities being launched in less than two years. The latest centre was inaugurated by Mayor M. Anilkumar at Kadebhagom, Palluruthy (Division 13), recently, while the one coming up in the Perumanoor division is all set to be opened.

The UHWCs, a joint initiative of the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) and the State government, is aimed at making available more affordable healthcare facilities for people. The centres are healthcare units where the public can access basic healthcare facilities free of cost. Each facility has a doctor and the necessary supporting staff.

While work for the facilities is progressing in six divisions, three are in the process of finalising the required space to open the centres. The centres have come up on the Corporation’s own properties and rented facilities. The expenses for the centres, including rent for properties and salaries of staff, are borne by the Central and State governments. The Corporation is entrusted with the tasks of setting up the facilities and running them, sources said.

Mayor M. Anilkumar said that all the 38 proposed centres would be launched before the tenure of the council ends later this year. He added that the centres had further strengthened the healthcare network in the Corporation.

“The 38 wellness centres are coming alongside 12 primary health centres, one urban health centre, and six government-run hospitals in the Corporation. That makes it an impressive network of affordable healthcare facilities in the Corporation,” the Mayor said.