The Virugambakkam Residents’ Welfare Association has given a representation to the Greater Chennai Corporation to make the Health Centre at Natesan Nagar into a full-time facility. At present, the centre is open from 10 am to 3 pm on all days.
Along with that, the association has requested the civic body to upgrade the centre to offer in-patient care as well. As of now, only out-patient service is offered.
The association president S Arumainathan, said, “The existing centre has a huge facility. It covers an area of 7.5 grounds and the built-up area is just one ground. Therefore, it can be upgraded.
Moreover, a large number of labourers are working in the nearby Koyambedu market and at many construction sites in the vicinity. Therefore, Corporation should consider offering a wide range of healthcare services.”
As an initial step, the association has requested the Corporation to offer a comprehensive maternity care and trauma care facility. “Although prenatal and post-natal care are provided, the care during labour and birth is not offered here. It will be of immense help as patients will be relieved of travelling on the congested Arcot Road to access the Corporation hospital at Kodambakkam,” he said.
“Corporation cites that only one hospital is dedicated per zone. But we are requesting them to consider relaxing its rule so that a large number of people will be benefited and larger space will be put to optimum use,” Arumainathan said.