Citizen Connect: Disused public health centre on Giriappa Road hosts anti-social elements\, draws flak

While the complaints of Health Centres not being run properly already serve to be a problem in the state, lack of maintenance and use of the Public Health Centre on Giriappa Road in T Nagar has drawn flak from many.

Despite being on a big road -- between a Corporation School and an Anganwadi centre -- it is not easily visible to passers-by. “I have crossed the area many times, but until recently, I had no idea that such a place existed. It is mostly hidden behind vans or tempos. However, the sight behind the vans is one that is neither very welcoming nor very comforting,” said Mangalam S, who lives in T Nagar.

From broken alcohol bottles to water packets and plastic glasses, the entrance to the centre is clearly being used as a hangout spot for alcoholics, she said. “What is the point of having a Health Centre when it is not serving its purpose. It does not look like it has been used for treating patients in many years,” she opined.

Besides, it is feared that this could prove to be dangerous for young children coming to the school or the Anganwadi on either side of the health centre. Udaya S, another resident of T Nagar said, “How can we trust that those making use of the centre will not harm the children or that the children will not get attracted to the nonsense that is happening there. The Corporation should take serious steps to prevent this menace from continuing. Such a centre cannot be used for illegal purposes.”

“While it is sad that any building could end up in such a situation, what makes it worse, in this case, is that this used to be a Health centre – a place where the public could come to for treatment,” said Udaya. “How can the government be so casual about something as serious as this? Action must be taken against the offenders and the officials must take measures to maintain this place and use if for the purpose for which it was built,” he said.

Zone IX officer, who took charge only on Saturday, said, “As I am new to this, I am not aware of the same. However, I will ensure that steps are taken to look into the matter and if true, will take the necessary steps to sort it out.”