Chief Minister to inaugurate Critical Care Block in Jawadhu Hills

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will virtually inaugurate the first ₹20 crore District Critical Care Block (CCB) facility at the foothills of Jawadhu Hills in Anaicut village on the outskirts of Vellore Corporation limits this month .

Along with health officials, Collector V.R. Subbulaxmi inspected the new health facility. The new facility has been built within Government Taluk Hospital near Amirthi Zoological Park as it can be easily accessible for tribals in the hills. “Snake bites remain a key health challenge in the hills. Currently, treatment is available only at Vellore Medical College Hospital, around 20 km away from the hills,” R. Pandithurai, a tribal said.

Health officials said that the new single-storey facility, which will cover around 5,000 sq.ft, has 50 beds with separate wards for maternity, newborn care, and in-patients. It also has an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), which has 10 beds, X-ray and scanning facilities.

Three surgical theatres with ultrasound units are also part of the facility. Apart from accident victims, the new facility will treat patients for burn injuries, snake bites, cardiac related problems, and paediatrics.

Apart from a spacious out-patient ward that can accommodate around 100 persons, the new facility also has an antenatal care unit. On an average, the new facility will cover at least 2.5 lakh persons, mostly tribals in the hills and rural areas.

Residents said that at present, Anaicut region at the foothills of Jawadhu do not have private clinics. They have to depend on government health care centres, which do not have adequate facilities. The region also lacks a government facility that provides specialist care for neurology, cardiology, orthopedics, dermatology, and ophthalmology.

Health officials said that the new facility will bridge the gap in providing specialist care in the region. Similar facilities are also coming up in 17 spots that have a sizable tribal population in the State.