The Urban Primary Health Centre in Choolaimedu, Chennai, will reopen its doors by the middle of February. This follows a major renovation project that has transformed the facility. The upgraded centre now includes an exclusive dialysis unit specifically for patients with Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
Renovated Facility Spread Over 6,200 Square Feet
The health centre occupies a spacious 6,200 square feet on Sherfudeen Street. The ground floor will house the regular UPHC operations. Meanwhile, the first floor is dedicated entirely to the new dialysis facility. This strategic layout ensures efficient service delivery for both general healthcare and specialized treatments.
Councillor Confirms Mid-February Opening
GCC ward 109 councillor E Suganya provided an update on the progress. "The UPHC is functional but not yet fully operational," she explained. "Basic signage and some facilities are still pending. Work on the installation of a lift and some civil works are nearing completion. We will open the renovated building by mid-Feb." Her statement clarifies the current status and sets a clear timeline for residents.
MLA Highlights Benefits for Local Population
Thousand Lights MLA Dr Ezhilan Naganathan emphasized the centre's importance. He noted that nearly three lakh residents of Thousand Lights and Anna Nagar will benefit from this facility. "There is a growing demand for dialysis facilities for Hepatitis B and C patients," Dr Naganathan said. "This centre will also help reduce the burden on nearby hospitals and the UPHC near Valluvar Kottam, which has a similar dialysis facility." His comments underscore the critical need for such services in the area.
Staffing and Future Plans Detailed
Additional city health officer (South Chennai) Dr B Ashalatha outlined the staffing arrangements. The centre will employ a medical officer, staff nurses, a pharmacist, a lab technician, and a data entry operator. Dr Ashalatha also revealed an ambitious future plan. "We are also planning an operating theatre to create AV fistulas," she stated. "This is a surgical procedure required for dialysis." This addition would further enhance the centre's capabilities.
Residents Express Hope for Improved Services
Local residents have high expectations for the renovated centre. Selvam, a resident of Ameerjohn Street, shared common concerns. "Sometimes there is no doctor, and blood tests are unavailable," he said. "We hope these issues will be fixed after Feb." His words reflect the community's desire for consistent and reliable healthcare services.
The reopening of the Choolaimedu UPHC marks a significant step in improving healthcare access in Chennai. With its new dialysis unit and upgraded facilities, it aims to meet the specific needs of Hepatitis patients while serving the broader community.
