Health | Citizen Matters, Chennai

கொரோனா நமக்குக் கூறுவது என்ன? – ஒரு ஆய்வு

March 30, 2020 Vadivu Mahendran

How has Chennai handled the outbreak of novel coronavirus so far? What does it say about the nature of our cities? A piece in Tamil by Vadivu Mahendran that delves into the various aspects of the outbreak.

கோவிட் 19: அடுக்கு மாடி குடியிருப்புகள் செய்ய வேண்டியவை என்ன?

March 27, 2020 Bhavani Prabhakar

What can apartments do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep residents safe? Here are some useful tips and instructions.

The forgotten connection between Madras and smallpox eradication

March 25, 2020 V Sriram

As India enters a 21 day lockdown to fight coronavirus, read about the man from Madras who helped eradicate smallpox.

Chennai under lockdown: Let us not repeat the mistakes of the past!

March 25, 2020 Mahesh V

What went wrong when the PM called for a janata curfew on March 22nd? Are we better-prepared to isolate ourselves completely now, for the next 21 days? We must, if we want to beat the coronavirus.

88256 90497: A number you don’t want to dial… and what you can do to avoid that

March 17, 2020 Mahesh V

While talk about the deadly coronavirus disease 2019 is dominating conversation everywhere, a lot more needs to be done to contain the spread of the disease in India. And as citizens, we must do our bit.

Testing for COVID19: Is Chennai doing enough?

March 17, 2020 Aruna Natarajan

Even as Tamil Nadu reported only one positive case of novel Coronavirus since the emergence of the disease within India, which has since been eradicated, questions remain about the manner in which testing is being done and whether it is enough to rule out community spread. What are experts saying?

கரோனா பீதி: தயார் நிலையில் உள்ளதா சென்னை?

March 15, 2020 Laasya Shekhar

Many Indian cities have closed schools and cancelled large gatherings as precaution against the coronavirus. But life in Chennai seems to be going on as normal. Read the Tamil translation of our photo-essay on how Chennai is coping with the pandemic scare.

Coronavirus scare: Is Chennai prepared to halt the disease in its tracks?

March 14, 2020 Laasya Shekhar

Though Tamil Nadu has had only one reported Corona virus case so far, the city government, authorities and individuals must all take the needed measures to prevent the spread of the disease. How well prepared is Chennai today? A reality check by Citizen Matters Chennai.

The rarely discussed problem that’s putting government hospitals in Chennai in a fix

March 6, 2020 Bhavani Prabhakar

Many of Chennai’s government hospitals find themselves under pressure, as their mortuaries fill up with unclaimed dead bodies, waiting to be identified. What causes the problem and how can one find humane solutions to it?

Why Chennai is celebrating Padmashri award to a doctor in a remote part of Assam

January 27, 2020 Aruna Subramaniam

Dr Ravi Kannan left a successful career and a comfortable life in Chennai to move to a remote area near Silchar, to treat thousands of underserved cancer patients. A personal tribute to his remarkable journey, as Chennai celebrates his Padmashri award.

Unethical medical practices a huge concern: Chennai nutritionist Divya Satyaraj

December 28, 2019 Swati Amar

Divya Satyaraj speaks to Citizen Matters on her work on health and nutrition among children, adolescents and pregnant women and the overall reforms needed in healthcare.

Decline in new HIV+ cases, but road to AIDS prevention still fraught with challenges

November 29, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

The good news, first: New HIV cases recorded in Chennai have steadily decreased over the past six years. The bad news: Taking intervention efforts to the ones who need it the most remains very difficult. As we approach World AIDS Day, a look at the scenario in the city.

Pollution red alert: Chennai’s Delhi moment is almost here

November 8, 2019 Mahesh V

Are you aware that on the afternoon of Nov 7th, the Air Quality Index (AQI) level in Velachery stood at 271, only marginally better than Delhi’s (282) at the same time? Both data from monitors and snapshots from different areas in the city show why we need urgent action on air pollution.

How can Chennai keep dengue at bay this rainy season?

November 1, 2019 News Desk

Chennai has already recorded the highest number of dengue cases in the state. With fresh spells of rain around the corner, what can citizens do to protect themselves from the disease?

From 1104 cases in August 2017 to just 196 this year: How Chennai is battling dengue

September 18, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Thanks to proactive measures by the Chennai Corporation, dengue incidence has shown significant decline in the city. But there’s more to be done and citizens must play an active role in that.

Chennai Buzz: City’s first Aadhaar Seva Kendra | Electric bus gets going | ECR cameras to nab traffic rule violators…and more

September 1, 2019 News Desk

On which route will you find Chennai’s first electric bus? What can the Aadhaar Seva Kendra help you with? And what is Chennai Metro’s latest initiative for its commuters? Catch all this and more in this weekly recap of news.

Golden hour, CPR and more: Life-saving lessons we should all know

August 9, 2019 Mahesh V

Chennai NGO Thozan, in collaboration with 108 ambulance services, conducted an awareness campaign in 73 city parks recently, with an aim to spread awareness on road safety among citizens. Here are some of the most important takeaways.

Know more about human milk banks in Chennai that are helping many new mothers

August 7, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Human milk banks store excess milk from lactating mothers and give them to others who have problems breastfeeding their infants. But ignorance and misconceptions prevent this facility from functioning optimally. Here’s what neonatologists have to say.

Meet Dr Jayakumar, MP-elect from Thiruvallur

May 28, 2019 Aruna Natarajan

Dr K Jayakumar of the INC unseated the incumbent two-time MP from ADMK to win Thiruvallur. He has previously served as the Namakkal MLA.

North Chennai MP elect Kalanidhi Veeraswamy: “Kodungaiyur has to be shifted”

May 24, 2019 Aruna Natarajan

New MP Dr Kalanidhi Veeraswamy shares his plans for improving north Chennai, from closing the Kodangaiyur dump yard to decongestion of roads, from creation of jobs to infrastructure for fisherfolk.