National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) – Tamil Nadu
The National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) aims to meet the healthcare needs of the urban population, particularly the urban poor, by providing accessible, affordable, and quality primary healthcare services, reducing out-of-pocket expenditure, and strengthening urban public health systems.
Vision
The mission focuses on delivering equitable, affordable, and quality healthcare services to urban populations, especially vulnerable and underserved groups.Background
Tamil Nadu is one of the most urbanized states in India, with nearly 48.45% of its population residing in urban areas as per the 2011 Census. The urban population is distributed across 490 Town Panchayats, 138 Municipalities, and 25 Corporations. Rapid urbanisation, migration, and the growth of slums have resulted in significant health inequities among vulnerable populations. NUHM addresses these gaps by strengthening urban primary healthcare systems and ensuring a continuum of care through an integrated service network. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}Focus Areas
- Strengthening Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) for better public health planning
- Improving service delivery for urban slums and vulnerable populations
- Targeting marginalized groups such as homeless, migrant labourers, street children, and rag pickers
Urban Health Infrastructure
NUHM Facilities
| S. No | Facility Under | No. of UPHCs | No. of UCHCs | No. of Maternity Centres | No. of UHWC | Total Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Greater Chennai Corporation | 140 | 16 | 3 | 200 | 359 |
| 2 | Rest of TN – Corporations | 206 | 22 | 0 | 410 | 638 |
| 3 | Rest of TN – Municipalities | 117 | 1 | 0 | 98 | 216 |
| Total | 463 | 39 | 3 | 708 | 1213 | |
Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs)
A total of 485 UPHCs are functioning across 138 Municipalities and 25 Corporations, each catering to approximately 50,000 population. These centres provide preventive, promotive, and basic curative services.Urban Health & Wellness Centres (U-HWCs)
To strengthen urban healthcare delivery, 708 U-HWCs have been established in two phases: Phase I: 500 centres (06.06.2023) Phase II: 208 centres (03.07.2025) 12 Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) services are delivered in two shifts: 8:00 AM–12:00 Noon and 4:00 PM–8:00 PM.Urban Community Health Centres (UCHCs)
UCHCs serve as first referral units for every 2.5 lakh urban population. A total of 39 UCHCs are functional: 16 in GCC and 23 in Rest of Tamil Nadu.Polyclinics
A total of 154 polyclinics provide specialty services closer to urban communities. One polyclinic is established for every 5–6 UPHCs, covering 2.5–3 lakh population. Services are available from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM.Specialty Services Schedule (Polyclinics)
| Day | Name of Specialists |
|---|---|
| Monday | General Medicine |
| Tuesday | O&G |
| Wednesday | Pediatrics |
| Thursday | Ophthalmology, Physiotherapy |
| Friday | Dental, Dermatology |
| Saturday | Psychiatrist |
Polyclinic Beneficiaries (Year-wise)
City Public Health Laboratories (CPHLs)
A total of 35 CPHLs have been established (Phase I – 26; Phase II – 9) functioning as diagnostic hubs for UPHCs and U-HWCs. Consumables and reagents are procured through TNMSC.
Community Outreach Activities
Urban Health Nurse (UHN) Day
Conducted monthly at Anganwadi Centres to improve nutritional status of antenatal mothers and children. Financial support of ₹500 per camp is provided.Urban Mobile Medical Units (MMUs)
Urban MMUs provide outreach services in underserved areas. 10 MMUs are operational in 6 corporations, each staffed with a Medical Officer, Staff Nurse, Lab Technician, Cleaner, and Driver.Urban RBSK
35 RBSK teams are functioning in 9 corporations, providing screening and early intervention services to school children.
