To provide free specialised care for children with developmental disabilities, an ‘early intervention center’ was inaugurated in Kamarajar nagar, Melpatti Ponnappan Street, Perambur under the Tondiarpet Zone of the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) on Wednesday.
Two more such centres are set to come up — one on C.P. Ramasamy Road and another in Thiruvanmiyur. Based on demand and the availability of experts, the initiative will be expanded to more Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs), according to a GCC official of Government Stanley Medical College and Hospital.
The Vyasarapadi facility, established at a cost of ₹1.29 crore under GCC Capital Funds, is located in a prominent yet quiet locality , an official from the GCC Public Health Department said. The centre will serve children aged between two and seven years with early developmental challenges in hearing, speaking, seeing and walking. It is equipped with a sensory integration room and offers occupational therapy, speech therapy, hydro therapy, sand therapy, psychological therapy, and tactile therapy. These services will help children improve their sensory and motor functions and support their overall development, said Regional Deputy Commissioner (North) Katta Ravi Teja.
