Chennai: Tambaram corporation has proposed to construct three new Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs) in Sembakkam and Poondi Bazaar, besides the expansion of the Anakaputhur UPHC at an outlay of 39 lakh. It is meant to cater to the needs of the growing population in these neighbourhoods. The corporation now serves 10 lakh residents from 13 UPHCs four in Pallavaram, three in Tambaram, two in Thiruneermalai, and one each in Pammal, Sembakkam, Anakaputhur, and Perungalathur. Officials say a UPHC is needed for every 50,000 people.
According to UPHC staff across the suburb, the construction of health centres near added areas and high population density areas is crucial to reduce the burden on existing facilities. "Around 35 to 40 people visit us every day. Many people from Chitlapakkam and Perungalathur also come here because of a lack of staff and equipment or no health centres in their wards," said a staff member at the Peerkankaranai UPHC.
In areas such as Thiruneermalai, Madambakkam, and Pallavaram, crowds are relatively manageable. "If there are more facilities in areas such as Irumbuliyur or Mudichur, residents can access better facilities and the burden on staff will reduce," said Saranaya Subbaraj, a member of the Welfare of Perungalathur Residents Association.
Senior health officer Dr B Porselvan plans to address gaps in healthcare coverage due to high population density in certain areas. "Some parts of the corporation, such as East Tambaram and Chitlapakkam, may require more resources due to high demand. Residents often tell us that they have to travel to other UPHCs to receive care. Many residents who live in areas yet to be merged into the corporation have also asked us to propose projects. We are going to study each ward to understand how to allocate resources," he said.
Tambaram corporation will also conduct a population survey to identify gaps in healthcare access and inform decisions on the placement of new UPHCs. A digital database will be created for real-time monitoring of healthcare demand, enabling the corporation to plan future expansions based on accurate data on population growth, health trends, and facility shortages. "The survey will allow us to allocate resources more effectively and ensure that healthcare services are available where they're needed most," he added.