In a significant move to improve healthcare access for residents, the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) launched 11 new health centers across the region on Independence Day. This initiative is part of a larger effort to strengthen the public health infrastructure in the area and ensure that essential medical services are available to all citizens. The newly inaugurated centers include three Balasaheb Thackeray Aapla Dawakhana clinics and eight Ayushman Health Centers, which are focused on providing comprehensive care to the community.
Background of the Initiative
The state government of Maharashtra has been actively working to enhance the healthcare system across the state, especially in the municipal areas. As part of this broader effort, the government set a target for various municipal corporations, including the VVMC, to establish new health centers under different schemes. Specifically, the state government had allocated a target of setting up 477 Ayushman Health Centers and 141 Balasaheb Thackeray Aapla Dawakhana clinics across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
The VVMC was assigned the task of setting up 65 Ayushman Health Centers, also known as Ayushman Health Temples, and 15 Balasaheb Thackeray Aapla Dawakhana clinics, totaling 80 new health facilities. These centers were to be established within a relatively short time frame, which posed a significant challenge for the municipal corporation. Despite the challenges, the VVMC worked diligently to identify suitable locations, construct the facilities, and recruit the necessary healthcare personnel.
Progress and Achievements
By the end of March, the VVMC had already managed to establish and operationalize 10 Ayushman Health Centers and 11 Aapla Dawakhana clinics. This was a remarkable achievement, considering the logistical and operational hurdles involved in setting up these facilities. However, the VVMC did not stop there. With Independence Day approaching, the corporation intensified its efforts to complete the remaining health centers.
On Independence Day, the VVMC proudly announced the opening of 11 additional health centers, including three Aapla Dawakhana clinics and eight Ayushman Health Centers. The locations of these new facilities have been carefully chosen to ensure maximum coverage and accessibility for residents in different parts of the region. The VVMC utilized innovative approaches, such as setting up container-based clinics, to overcome space constraints and expedite the process.
Locations of the New Health Centers
The newly inaugurated health centers are strategically located in various parts of the Vasai-Virar region. The three Aapla Dawakhana clinics have been established at:
- Dhaniw Talav in Nalasopara
- Naringi Village in Virar
- Bhoydapada near Waliv Naka in Vasai
Meanwhile, the eight new Ayushman Health Centers are located at:
- Barf Pada in Virar
- Mohak City in Virar
- Gokul Township in Virar
- Nandakhal in Virar
- Watar in Virar
- Cheda Nagar in Nalasopara
- MHADA Colony in Shriprastha, Nalasopara
- Nana Nani Park in Samarth Nagar, Virar
The Aapla Dawakhana Initiative
The Balasaheb Thackeray Aapla Dawakhana clinics are a key component of the state’s healthcare initiative. These clinics are funded by the state government and are designed to offer a range of essential medical services to the public. Each Aapla Dawakhana is staffed by a team of four healthcare professionals: a medical officer, a nurse, a pharmacist, and an assistant. The clinics operate in the afternoon and evening, from 2 PM to 10 PM, ensuring that residents have access to healthcare services beyond regular working hours.
These clinics provide a variety of diagnostic services, including 30 different types of medical tests. The goal is to offer affordable and accessible healthcare to all, particularly those who may not have easy access to private medical facilities. The addition of these clinics in the Vasai-Virar region is expected to significantly improve healthcare outcomes for the local population.
The Role of Ayushman Health Centers
The Ayushman Health Centers, also known as Ayushman Health Temples, were conceptualized by the central government to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. These centers are equipped to provide a range of outpatient services, including regular health check-ups, diagnostic tests, and preventive care measures. The centers also focus on managing long-term health conditions and preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
Each Ayushman Health Center is staffed by a team of healthcare professionals, including a doctor, a nurse (Junior Assistant Nurse Midwife), a multi-purpose worker, and an assistant. The centers operate from 9 AM to 5 PM, providing residents with convenient access to healthcare services during the day. The services offered at these centers include testing for hemoglobin levels, malaria, urine pregnancy rapid tests, diabetes, and dengue, among others. Vaccination services are also available at these centers, further contributing to the overall health and well-being of the community.
Future Plans
The VVMC’s efforts to expand healthcare services in the Vasai-Virar region are far from over. According to Samir Bhumkar, the Deputy Commissioner of the VVMC, the corporation is committed to completing the establishment of all 80 health centers as planned. The remaining Aapla Dawakhana clinic is expected to be operational within the next few days, which will fulfill the target set by the state government. Additionally, the VVMC is working on setting up the remaining Ayushman Health Centers, with plans to have them operational as soon as possible.
Conclusion
The inauguration of 11 new health centers by the VVMC on Independence Day marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access in the Vasai-Virar region. These centers, which include both Aapla Dawakhana clinics and Ayushman Health Centers, are expected to play a crucial role in providing essential medical services to residents and addressing the healthcare needs of the community. As the VVMC continues to expand its healthcare infrastructure, the people of Vasai-Virar can look forward to better access to quality healthcare services, which will ultimately lead to healthier and more vibrant communities.
