Chennai: For residents of Chettiyar Agaram in Porur, accessing affordable healthcare has become a daily struggle. With the urban primary health centre (UPHC) remaining closed for more than a decade, thousands of residents lack a reliable healthcare facility in the locality.
They have urged Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) to demolish the dilapidated structure and build a new facility. Locals say the absence of a government health centre has left senior citizens, pregnant women, children, and low-income families without access to basic healthcare services. Residents are forced to travel either to the UPHC in Poonamallee about 10 km away or to the one in Porur, which is 6 km away.
“The UPHC here was easily accessible to residents. However, the facility was shut and has remained closed for more than a decade. We don’t have any other facilities for emergency care. There has been no response from authorities concerned despite multiple complaints,” said K Mathew, a resident of Chettiyar Agaram Road.
“The abandoned building is being misused for illegal activities during the night, raising safety concerns among residents, especially women and children. Although officials are aware of the situation and the need for a UPHC in the locality, they have failed to take concrete steps to address the issue,” said M Manikandan, another resident.
When contacted, Valasaravakkam zonal officer P S Srinivasan said, “We will inspect the building and take necessary steps.”
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