In a bid to tackle the growing concerns surrounding maternal complications and mortality rates, the Chennai Corporation has unveiled a comprehensive plan to bolster child and maternal healthcare services across the city (1). Among the key proposals is the establishment of a dedicated maternal call centre, set to serve as a lifeline for high-risk mothers navigating through pregnancy-related challenges.

Maternal Call Centre and Early Intervention Centres

The cornerstone of the corporation’s initiative lies in the creation of a specialized maternal call centre, poised to cater to the unique needs of expectant mothers facing medical complexities during their pregnancy journey. This innovative centre will serve as a pivotal resource hub, collecting crucial information about women grappling with maternal complications and providing continuous monitoring and support to ensure their well-being.

Complementing this groundbreaking initiative are plans to institute early intervention centres in each of the city’s 15 zones. These centres are strategically designed to serve as frontline hubs for early detection of health issues in children, ranging from nutritional deficiencies to birth complications and stunted growth. By facilitating timely medical interventions and guidance, these centres aim to mitigate potential health risks and promote the holistic well-being of Chennai’s youngest residents.

Women’s Gyms in Every Ward

Recognizing the importance of promoting women’s health and fitness, the corporation has proposed the construction of dedicated gyms for women in all 200 wards across the city. This forward-thinking initiative seeks to empower women of all ages to prioritize their physical well-being and embrace an active lifestyle within their local communities.

Upgrades in Health Facilities

Amidst efforts to enhance maternal and child healthcare services, the corporation’s budgetary allocations include provisions for significant upgrades to major health centres and public health facilities throughout Chennai. From ensuring uninterrupted power supply with the installation of generators and electric inverters to expanding infrastructure and improving overall accessibility, these upgrades underscore the corporation’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare services to its residents.

Expansion of Urban Primary Health Centres

Strategic enhancements are also in store for urban primary health centres, with facilities such as the Kathivakkam center slated to undergo transformative upgrades. These enhancements will include the addition of beds and specialized medical services, alongside the introduction of weekly consultations for respiratory, dermatological, and ENT concerns. By bolstering healthcare accessibility in underserved areas, these expansions aim to address the diverse healthcare needs of Chennai’s populace.

Major Upgrades in Adyar and Saidapet

In a bid to elevate healthcare services in densely populated regions, major upgrades are on the horizon for urban primary health centres in Adyar and emergency care units in Saidapet. These comprehensive renovations will encompass the addition of beds, as well as the implementation of upgraded laboratory and operation theatre facilities. Through these transformative upgrades, the corporation seeks to enhance healthcare capacity and ensure residents have access to top-tier medical services when needed most.

Vector Control Monitoring Lab

In a groundbreaking move aimed at proactive disease prevention, the corporation is set to establish a vector control monitoring lab. This pioneering facility will play a pivotal role in assessing the efficacy of fogging activities and recommending targeted improvements to vector control measures. By staying ahead of potential health threats, this initiative underscores the corporation’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health and well-being.

The Chennai Corporation’s ambitious healthcare initiatives stand as a testament to its unwavering dedication to improving the quality of life for its residents. From pioneering maternal call centres to innovative vector control monitoring labs, these initiatives underscore the corporation’s proactive approach to addressing healthcare challenges and fostering a healthier, more resilient community for generations to come.

References:

1. Maternal call centre to help high-risk mothers in Chennai
   
   https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2024/Feb/22/maternal-call-centre-to-help-high-risk-mothers-in-chennai

Source-Medindia