Coimbatore Corporation proposes new buildings for space-strapped urban primary health centres

Coimbatore Corporation proposes new buildings at urban primary health centres to address space constraints and improve patient services.

To address space constraints at several urban primary health centres (UPHCs), the Coimbatore Corporation has proposed the construction of new buildings at selected sites.

At the KK Pudur UPHC, limited space has affected patient services. “The ground floor houses maternity care, a pharmacy, the doctor’s room, and a consultation room, but there is no space for patients to sit or wait,” said a staff nurse. “As a result, outpatient services are provided on the first floor, where the laboratory is located. Many patients face difficulties climbing the stairs, but with no space available on the ground floor, there is no alternative. On an average, around 150 patients visit the centre daily, and during special camps, queues sometimes extend onto the road.”

A visitor at the Seeranaickenpalayam UPHC said patients often wait outside the centre due to the lack of seating and shelter. “There is barely any space inside. Elderly patients and mothers with children struggle the most. Upgrading these facilities is much needed,” he said.

City Health Officer A. Mohan said a proposal has been submitted for the construction of new buildings, including additional structures for 10 space-constrained centres.

Among them, the centres at KK Pudur, Seeranaickenpalayam, Nanjundapuram, and Sowripalayam have been selected for entirely new buildings, as they are either too small or located in older premises—Sowripalayam, in particular, operates from an ageing structure. The remaining six centres—at Kurichi, Raja Street, Podanur, Kalveerampalayam, Ramanathapuram, and Selvapuram—are proposed to receive additional buildings alongside existing ones.

“The KK Pudur centre, with an area of approximately 900 square feet, becomes congested. We have identified suitable land and submitted a proposal to the National Health Mission, from which funds will be sanctioned. Construction work will begin immediately once the funds are approved. At present, construction is already under way at five other centres that received funding in previous years,” he said.

The Corporation also plans to undertake repair and renovation works at 32 UPHCs, 11 Health and Wellness Centres, and 16 sub-centres across the city.