11 health and wellness centres that were closed for want of doctors set to be revived in Tiruchi

The health and wellness centre on West Boulevard Road in Tiruchi has been witnessing a significant footfall. | Photo Credit: M. MOORTHY

Eleven urban health and wellness centres in Tiruchi, which had remained non-functional for over two years, are all set to open their doors to the public.

Considering the surge in urban population and the growing patronage of the 18 Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs), the Corporation, under the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM), constructed 36 health and wellness centres (HWC), each at an estimated cost of ₹25 lakh utilising the funds sanctioned by the 15th Finance Commission. These centres will function from 8 a.m. to noon and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Each UPHC will be attached to two wellness centres and the Chief Medical Officer of the UPHC will supervise the HWCs. The initiative is aimed at enabling patients to get first-level emergency and trauma care in addition to alternative medicinal therapies and yoga.

Of the 36 centres, 25 are functioning, but the remaining 11 centres have remained closed for over two years because of the unavailability of doctors, and medical staff. However, the Health department has now appointed a doctor, a staff nurse, a health inspector, and an attendant for each of these centres.

“They are undergoing training at the UPHCs about existing schemes, filing reports, availability of medicines, infant immunisation, anti-rabies vaccinations, antenatal care, and other services at the HWCs. The facilities will become functional within two weeks,” said a senior official.

The centres are located at Sangiliandapuram, Amman Nagar, Mela Pandamangalam, Solarajapuram, Kamaraj Nagar, Vasanth Nagar, Sanjivi Nagar, Karumandapam, Thennur Babu Cetti Road, Ambedkar Nagar, and Ammaiyapa Nagar.

Meanwhile, the 25 health and wellness centres have become popular among residents and continue to register significant footfall since its launch. At present, free cancer screening camps to screen people for breast cancer, cervical cancer, and oral cancer are being held at these centres.

Published - June 01, 2025 07:20 pm IST