Chief Minister launches sub health centres to improve healthcare access in Vellore, Ranipet

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Tuesday virtually inaugurated two sub health centres in Kammasamudiram and Perumalraj Pettai villages, located in Vellore and Ranipet districts, respectively. The new facilities aim to bring essential healthcare services closer to residents in these remote areas.

A Lifeline for Remote Villages

The sub health centres, built at an average cost of ₹45 lakh each under the 15th Finance Commission, are designed to address long-standing demands for accessible healthcare in these underserved regions. Residents of Kammasamudiram, situated at the foothills of Jawadhu Hills, previously had to trek 8-10 km over rocky terrain to reach Vellore or Arakkonam for basic medical care. "The new health centre will end our ordeal," said K. Pari, a local resident.

Each centre is equipped with two in-patient beds, an out-patient block, a separate cabin for the Village Health Nurse (VHN), laboratory facilities, a pharmacy, and a visitors’ hall. Adequate parking for ambulances and other vehicles has also been provided. Land for the facilities was donated by local residents.

Improved Maternal and Child Healthcare

Health officials emphasized that the centres will focus on maternal and child health, immunization programmes, and government health schemes. Expectant mothers in particular will benefit from regular monitoring by trained VHNs, who are also equipped to treat minor illnesses like fever and cold. The centres will operate from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day except Sundays.

Deputy Director of Health Services for Ranipet, K. Senthil Kumar, highlighted the importance of these centres, stating, "New sub health centres will help residents, especially in remote villages and tribal hamlets, to get basic health care."

Bridging the Gap in Healthcare Access

The addition of these centres is a step toward addressing the healthcare infrastructure gap in the region. Ranipet currently has 197 sub health centres, compared to over 300 in Vellore. As per norms, a sub health centre is established for a population of over 5,000 within a five-kilometre radius.

District Collectors P.S. Leela Alex (Vellore) and N. Priya (Ranipet) inspected the facilities alongside health officials, ensuring that final touches, such as painting and electrical testing, were completed.

The inauguration marks a significant milestone in improving healthcare accessibility for remote and tribal communities, reducing the physical and logistical challenges faced by residents in seeking medical care.

Source: The Hindu