Tambaram Corpn launches e-family register to enhance healthcare services

Chennai: Tambaram Corporation has introduced an e-family register initiative to streamline data collection for immunisation drives, maternal health services, Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam and non-communicable disease management. The aim is to enhance healthcare planning and delivery within the corporation's jurisdiction, officials said.As part of this project, the corporation will gather data on housing quality, access to healthcare, family health status, immunisation, water supply, drainage, waste disposal, pet registration and generation of Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts and IDs for eligible residents. A pilot survey will commence in selected wards before expanding across all 70 wards over the next six months."We want to improve public healthcare services by understanding health conditions and vaccination coverage better. This census will help develop targeted campaigns and timely interventions. It will also track population growth and allow policies and services to adapt accordingly," said Dr S Porchelvan, the corporation's health officer.With a population of 10.3 lakh across 2.85 lakh households, Tambaram Corporation manages 13 urban primary health centres (UPHCs). These facilities serve populations beyond the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) standard of one centre per 50,000 people, with service areas ranging from 27,187 to 1.45 lakh residents. Based on local demand, the corporation has proposed constructing three new UPHCs in Sembakkam, Poondi Bazaar and Anakaputhur.Officials highlight the survey's importance for planning infrastructure projects and connectivity as Tambaram continues to expand due to its proximity to Chennai. However, concerns remain over staffing shortages, with nine of 28 sanitary inspector positions in the public health department still vacant. The directorate of public health and preventive medicine is assisting in filling these roles.Former director of municipal administration D S Sivasamy said that while e-governance is a step forward, smaller corporations such as Tambaram must ensure efficient data collection. An understaffed team could hamper outcomes, he added.