Localised med help through women’s groups

The Greater Chennai Corporation, under National Urban Health Mission, has constituted women groups (Mahila Arogiya Samiti) to provide medical assistance to the economically backward residents in their localities.

“We have constituted asmany as 1,016 groups in all the 15 zones of Chennai Corporation. Each group comprises of health nurse and women belonging to any self-help group. Also, one Mahila Arogiya Samiti would cover 50 to 100houses,” a Chennai Corporation official said.

The official added that the women’s group would bring pregnant women and children, mostly belonging to poor families, to urban primary health centres run by the civic body. The members would also assist the families in slum areas to register birth and death by liaising with the local civic officials.

“The group would keep vigil of any communicable diseases in the slum areas and alert officials if outbreaks occur. They would also help to control mosquito menace and create awareness on health issues and sanitation,” the official said.

Under the mission, the civic body had already opened bank accounts for as many as 594 women groups and started depositing Rs 5,000 each to operate the groups and conduct awareness programs. The groups would take up civic issues and contact officials to rectify the problems. “Bank accounts to remaining groups would be opened, and funds would be deposited soon,” the official added.

If the members of the group notice sick persons in their areas, they could help them to transport to hospitals using the fund deposited in their account. However, they should maintain records for spending. Monthly meetings should be conducted by leaders of the groups to discuss the expenditure and future events to be conducted.

As per Chennai Corporation data, Royapuram zone has the highest number of Mahila Arogiya Samiti groups where 140 groups have been formed. As many as 134 groups have been formed in Tondiarpet zone. Manali and Valasaravakkam zones have the least number of groups with two each.