GCC-run hospitals to get modern buildings for improving primary healthcare services
The civic body plans to upgrade at least 46 UPHCs, which currently operate out of cramped premises, say officials. Residents demand speedy completion of the projects, alleging that work has been stalled in many places, even in locations where the old buil
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) will construct modern buildings at 46 locations to improve urban primary healthcare in the city.
Once these buildings are constructed, urban primary healthcare services are expected to improve in many areas. At present, around 23,000 inpatients visit 140 hospitals run by the GCC for primary healthcare services.
“At least 46 of the urban primary health centres (UPHCs) have been functioning from cramped buildings in the city. We will build new buildings to improve services,” said M.
Jagadeesan, City Health Officer, GCC. The civic body has invited bids for the construction of modern hospitals for primary healthcare in areas such as ward 63, Langs Garden Road in Pudupet; ward 49, Solaiappan Street in Sanjeevarayanpet; ward 55, Amman Koil Street, Seven Wells; ward 50, Suryanarayana Street, Royapuram; and ward 42, Tiruvottiyur High Road, Jeeva Nagar.
Residents demanded the speedy completion of the projects and alleged that the work had been stalled in many places, including locations where the old buildings have been demolished.
Deepak, a resident of Pudupet, said the old hospital on Langs Garden Road used to attract 500 patients daily.
“After the old hospital building was demolished oneandahalf years ago, there have been no signs of reconstruction. The residents here have demanded a modern hospital building to improve services. This hospital in Pudupet used to be very popular and had very good doctors. We want services to continue for more residents in the modern building,” he added.
The GCC has already started polyclinics at 40 locations.
New modern hospitals for primary healthcare will also be constructed in areas such as M.K.B. Nagar, Manali, Jalladianpet, and Korukkupet.