Relocation of Ekkaduthangal PHC sends residents to private clinics

Though officials said that a new building has been constructed for the UPHC, residents remain unaware of the new facility and complain about lack of government healthcare facilities in the area.

“It has been more than six months since we have been going to nearby private clinics for treatment as the existing centre was locked up without any notice regarding the new building or relocation of the UPHC. We have to travel to Saidapet PHC for primary healthcare needs,” said U Abhishek, a resident of Ambal Nagar in Ekkaduthangal.

The old building of the UPHC that used to function from 8 am to 3 pm near Ekkaduthangal now remains locked, with the existing infrastructure in shambles. There is a new building being constructed near the Olympia Tech Park, however, residents fail to locate the place as they are unaware of the new address.

The new building of the UPHC has only two nurses on duty, while the medical officer is not present most of the time. The healthcare staff at the UPHC said that there is no full-time physician as the UPHC is only partially functional.

When contacted, zonal officer at Alandur said that the functioning of the new building is gathering pace and a notice board with the address of the new building was initially put up at the old UPHC building. “We are gradually getting patients and the complete functioning of the UPHC will start as soon as the construction of the building is completed. A new board with the address of new building will be set up at the old location for the convenience of the residents,” said the official.