Councillors flag poor medicare at GCC’s health centres

CHENNAI: The poor quality of service and infrastructure at urban primary health centres, which lack adequate doctors and paramedics too, came in for criticism at the Greater Chennai Corporation council meeting on Wednesday.
M Renuka, councillor representing Ward Number 42, said the Jeeva UPHC in Tondiarpet, built in the mid-1990s, had dilapidated roofs, cracks in walls and damaged staircases.“Senior citizens are struggling to climb the stairs to the hospital located on the first floor. The corporation must demolish the building and reconstruct it,” she said.
She added that it has been a challenge to find an alternate area and till then, the UPHC, which treats about 500 residents a day, should be shifted to a nearby UPHC.
R Durai Raj, zonal chairman for Adyar, said his zone had five vacant doctor posts, besides nurse and lab technician vacancies. “Due to the shortage, expecting mothers are being turned away. The mayor must inspect the UPHCs where there is a shortage and add necessary manpower,” he said.
Similarly, AMMK councillor for Ward No 148, V V Giridharan, said the urban health and wellness centre in his ward had not been constructed yet despite being launched several months ago. “As a result, people are constrained to visit private hospitals spending their money,” he said.
Mayor R Priya had earlier said `1.3 crore has been allotted for improving some of the UPHCs.