Thu Jul 03 16:22:34 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text:

**Headline: New Urban Health Centers Open in Vellore and Ranipet, Improving Access to Healthcare**

**Vellore, Tamil Nadu – July 3, 2025** – In a move to bolster public health infrastructure, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin virtually inaugurated three new Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs) across Vellore and Ranipet districts on Thursday. The openings include a much-anticipated UPHC in Katpadi, Vellore, fulfilling a long-standing request from local residents.

These UPHCs, each constructed at a cost of ₹1.2 crore, aim to serve populations of approximately 50,000. The facilities in Katpadi and Otteri (Vellore) boast significant upgrades, including dedicated cabins for doctors, nurses, and staff; spacious waiting areas; specialized treatment wards; on-site laboratory services; and well-stocked pharmacies. They will operate from 8 AM to 3 PM, every day except Sunday. Each UPHC has operation theatres and six beds for in-patients.

“The UPHC in Katpadi will focus on all government health programs, including vaccination and general health check-ups,” stated R. Lakshmanan, Commissioner of Vellore Corporation.

Residents like C. Pavitra expressed relief at the increased accessibility, noting that previously, they had to travel as far as 8 kilometers to the health center in Old Town Vellore.

In Ranipet, the new UPHC has been established in Kavanur village near Arcot. This will significantly reduce travel times for residents who previously had to travel 8-10 km to reach the nearest health center in Thimiri. The land for the Kavanur facility was donated by local residents.

In addition to the UPHCs, five Urban Health and Wellness Centres, built at ₹25 lakh each, were also inaugurated within Vellore Corporation limits. These smaller centers, staffed by a doctor, a nurse, and a sanitation inspector, will operate in two shifts: 8 AM to noon, and 4 PM to 8 PM daily.

The expansion of these health facilities aims to provide improved and more accessible healthcare services to urban and rural communities within the Vellore and Ranipet districts.

Read More