Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, June 2: Aiming to provide quality and free healthcare, the ‘Namma Clinic’ initiative launched three years ago in the coastal region is set for further expansion.

Seven new ‘Namma Clinics’ will soon be established in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. Currently, the clinics are operating in various parts of Dakshina Kannada including Sooterpet, Port/Hoige Bazaar, Bolur, Kodikal, Pacchanadi, Meenakaliya, Kunjathbail, Kerebail, Gantalkatte, Bannur, Duggaldka, and Kodimbala. Under the Pradhan Mantri–Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission, clinics were recently launched in Kondana, Lingappayan Kadu, Guttakadu, Malavoor, Ukkuda, Kumpala, and Netthoor.

In Udupi district, ‘Namma Clinics’ are currently functional at Beedinagudde, Kakkunje, Nittur, Mariyanpur in Karkala, Kharvikeri and T.T. Road in Kundapur, Vasre and Tharapathi in Byndoor, Kombagudde in Kaup, and Lakshminagar in Udupi.

What services are offered?

The clinics provide a wide range of services including antenatal care, infant and child care, family welfare services, infectious disease management, full outpatient services, diabetes and blood pressure screening, cancer screening, oral health, eye, nose and throat check-ups, mental health screening, elderly care, and basic emergency services. Each clinic is staffed with a medical officer, nurse, lab technician, and a D-group staff member. All services are offered free of cost to the public.

Where will new clinics be established?

The government has decided to expand the initiative further. In Dakshina Kannada, new clinics will be set up in Belthangady, one location in Bantwal taluk, and two in Ullal taluk. In Udupi district, clinics will soon be operational in Saligrama and Malpe Port. A clinic is also planned near the Udupi KSRTC bus stand, though it has been delayed due to some technical issues.