Residents irked by Chennai corporation’s move to close welfare centre

The corporation’s adherence to NUHM guidelines has created trouble for these residents. The welfare centre on Erneeswara Amman Koil Street had a doctor and three nurses working in it until a month ago. “One day, we found a tempo truck loading material fr-om the centre. They were being shifted to Tsunami Quarters Health Centre,” said Gajalakshmi, resident.

Residents are irked that the changeover happened without sufficient notice or communication. Devi Sridhar, who is eight months pregnant, was told to go to Tsunami Quarters UPHC after completing seven months of check up at the welfare centre.

“Tsunami Quarters (hospital) is crowded because it also caters to the relocated settlers there. Besides, it is a long way from my home,” she said. Jennifer Rajkumar, also pregnant, said the UPHCs crowd situation meant spending longer hours waiting for a consultation with the doctor. The corporation has also shut down similar welfare centres in Nallanguppam and Periyar Ramasamy Street in Ashok Nagar and are asking residents to go to health centres at Jafferkhanpet and Kodambakkam High Road instead, said C.I. Sengoal of Mao People’s Health Front.

“We filed a complaint with the State Human Rights Commission as this is a fundamental right abuse,” he said. Speaking to DC, corporation health officials said they were following NUHM norms. Officials said it was not necessary to visit UPHC for monthly check-ups. The welfare centre is adequately equipped to conduct check up. Locals also alleged that welfare centre nurses ask for money before disbursing medicines or giving off a vaccine shot. Corporation officials brushed off the allegations. “We have strictly instructed our nursing staff to not demand money for services,” said an official.