NMC planning to upgrade UPHCs from central funds for new ones

Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has got 51 new urban primary health centres (UPHCs) sanctioned under the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM). However, the civic body has decided to utilize the funds from central government for upgrading its existing 35 UPHCs — some of which don’t have full-time doctors — and convert some dispensaries into 15 new UPHCs.
Non-availability of land and presence of more than one health centre in some areas have prompted the move, officials said. They also indicated that some dispensaries may even be closed or clubbed with the UPHCs.
UPHCs had been playing a key role in Covid vaccination and RT-PCR testing, apart from offering a range of investigations.
NMC chief medical officer Dr Narendra Bahirwar said a population size of at least 40,000 is required for a new UPHC. “Some of the existing ones , for example, in Gandhibagh dispensaries are located close to each other. Such centres may not be needed. UPHCs must be properly distributed as per the population.”
Dr Bahirwar added, “One UPHC is mandated for a 50,000 population. We have got 20 new health and wellness centres sanctioned too. They will be part of sub-centres in some UPHC areas. Staff, including a medical officer, a nurse and multiple purpose workers, will provided by the state government.”
He said NMC had submitted a proposal of upgrading the existing ones only. “The government won’t sanction funds for construction of new ones,” the chief medical officer added.
The funds are yet to be received. Dr Bahirwar said the proposal was prepared before he took charge and that he wasn’t aware of the figure.
MLC Pravin Datke said he has demanded that the civic body add more UPHCs in new areas where there are none, instead of existing ones. “The central government has sanctioned UPHCs to cater to the population living in new slums and lower income groups. NMC is trying to get more personnel or reduce workload of existing UPHCs, which is not right,” he said.
The BJP MLC added, “I had discussed the issue with the municipal commissioner. If required, I will also write to the central government.”
Datke said NMC has not replied to his letter regarding the move. “I will call Bahirwar next week to discuss the issue. Citizens need more healthcare centres due to increasing population,” he said.
Regarding conversion of dispensaries into UPHCs, Datke said, “I don’t understand the need to run a new UPHC in an existing healthcare centre. NMC shouldn’t start new ones at places like Sadar, Imambada, Gandhi Nagar, where it already has old hospitals or dispensaries.”
Datke added that NMC must improve the existing UPHCs from its budget. “It is not a big deal to allocate Rs50-60 crore from a Rs3,500-crore budget. If the civic body has money for 100 smart toilets, it can also develop UPHCs,” he said.