Nandivaram becomes first PHC in the State to start dialysis centre

Nandivaram PHC inaugurates dialysis center and SVS, setting a model for Tamil Nadu's healthcare system.

The upgraded Primary Health Centre in Nandivaram became the first PHC in the State to start a dialysis centre. It also houses Tamil Nadu’s second State Vaccine Store (SVS) with a capacity to store 16 lakh vaccines.

Health Minister Ma. Subramanian and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Minister T.M. Anbarasan inaugurated the facilities on Saturday. The dialysis unit, which was set up at a total cost of ₹1 crore through donations and corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions, is owned by the UPHC, according to health officials.

In India, dialysis centres usually function in taluk government hospitals, government headquarters hospitals, government medical college hospitals, and multi speciality hospitals. “There are 1,115 dialysis machines in use in Tamil Nadu. Taking into consideration the rising need for dialysis services, we added 115 more machines in the last three years. Presently, works to set up 40 more machines are in progress,” Mr. Subramanian said.

The Minister said  ₹1 crore has been spent by more than 10 entities including the district administration for installing generators, renovation of building, purchase of five dialysis machines, beds and medical equipment. “This is a model for Tamil Nadu,” he added. There are 2,286 PHCs and urban PHCs in the State. Of this, 424 were upgraded PHCs, the Minister added. “If any volunteers or social organisations want to donate towards setting up dialysis units, the government is ready to support,” he said.

T.S. Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, said the dialysis centre has five machines and five beds. “An entrepreneur expressed willingness to run the unit. This is being done on a pilot basis,” he said. Patients requiring dialysis in the locality would be enrolled under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme. “With the dialysis unit functioning closeby, patients need not travel long for dialysis,” he said.

As of now, a SVS functions on the premises of the Directorate of Medical and Rural Health Services, Teynampet. Now, an additional SVS has been set up at Nandivaram UPHC. Officials said the location was selected owing to its accessibility and proximity to the airport. In case of flood or electricity issues in Chennai, this facility would be of help.

The Minister said the decision to conduct walk-in interview to recruit 648 specialists has been withdrawn. A Government Order to recruit post graduate doctors as well through the Medical Services Recruitment Board examination would be obtained. Till now, MRB exams were held for recruiting MBBS doctors. Chengalpattu Collector S. Arunraj were present.