Madurai UPHC to get ₹1.47 crore expansion to meet rising demand

Madurai: The state government has approved the construction of an additional building at the Aruldaspuram Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC) in Madurai at a cost of ₹1.47 crore, aiming to ease congestion and meet growing demand from residents in the city's central and west zones.

A senior health official from the Madurai Corporation said the project was part of the civic body's 2024–25 proposal. "The new infrastructure will help decongest the existing facility and support our efforts to obtain National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) certification. Tenders have been issued, and work will begin soon," the official said.

The Corporation is targeting NQAS certification for ten more primary health centres (PHCs) in the coming years. Six PHCs—Masthanpatti, Munichalai, Annathoppu, Annaiyur, Thirunagar, and Sellur—have already received the certification.

A similar proposal has been submitted to build an additional block at the Pykara UPHC, which has seen a surge in footfall. "We are hopeful of approval this financial year. A proposal for Thiruppalai UPHC is also in the pipeline," the official added.

Healthcare infrastructure remains a key focus in the city's development strategy. The 2025 civic budget has earmarked ₹5 crore for medical equipment across all UPHCs, including ₹50 lakh for urban wellness centres offering preventive and curative services.

Currently, 45 urban wellness centres are operational in Madurai. Construction of 16 more is underway, expected to raise the total to 61 by year-end. "These centres aim to provide comprehensive primary care at the community level and reduce pressure on tertiary hospitals," the official said.