The Corporation has decided to appoint 160 doctors at emergency obstetric care centres (EOCs) opened in the eight zones added to the revised Corporation limits. From the previous 172 square kilometres last year, the city was expanded to an area covering 426 square kilometres. The city now includes areas Tiruvottiyur, Manali, Madhavaram, Ambattur, Valasaravakkam, Alandur, Perungudi and Sholinganallur.
Among the 160 doctors, 80 are gynaecologists, 40 are anaesthesiologists and 40 are paediatricians to work under maternity healthcare services. According to sources, a proposal to appoint the doctors is being considered. . When asked about training period for the doctors, the sources said, “We will manipulate the number of hours depending on the selection to be done by the government.”
Prior to the expansion of the city limits, there were 12 active EOCs in the city. According to Corporation officials, progress was seen in 2003 when two maternity wards in Saidapet and Perumalpet welfare centre were converted into 24-hour maternity centres. Furthering the development of care centres, every other maternity ward was converted into maternity care centre in 2008. Medical officers’ employment exchange programme chose eligible MBBS candidates and they were sent for training in maternity care as gynaecologists, paediatrics and anaesthetists.
From the initial figure of 12 round-the-clock medical centres, eight new emergency obstetric care centres were opened in each of the eight newly-added zones. At present, there are a total of 20 EOCs functional in Chennai.
An average of 120 normal deliveries, 50 to 75 caesarian and 100 to 150 family planning operations are performed at the facilities in a month.
In 2010-11, the hospitals that fall under the district family welfare scheme performed 12,000 deliveries, 6,000 surgeries and 14,000 family planning operations. All the centres work on a shift basis.
Corporation sources estimate a budget of Rs. 7,04,25,600 to be allotted to implement the plan.
