Tamil Nadu Announces Steps to Improve Public Healthcare, Expand Insurance Benefits

Tamil Nadu Health Minister K G Arunraj on Sunday said the state government is examining ways to expand the scope of the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) by including more medical procedures under its coverage.

Speaking at a press conference on challenges faced by state-run medical facilities, Arunraj said CMCHIS currently caters to a majority of healthcare requirements of people in the state, but discussions are underway to further strengthen the scheme. “A good decision will be taken soon,” he said, indicating that an announcement could follow after the review process.

The minister also addressed concerns over patients facing difficulties in accessing insurance-covered treatments at government hospitals. He said such issues were partly due to lack of public awareness about the facilities and benefits available under the scheme.

Highlighting concerns related to hospital infrastructure, Arunraj acknowledged complaints regarding sanitation problems, drainage issues, and pest infestations in government hospital wards. He said the government has initiated phased improvements to upgrade facilities, including the distribution of new bed linens to address immediate hygiene-related concerns.

Reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption, the minister warned hospital employees against demanding money from patients. He said strict action would be taken against those involved in such practices, citing the recent dismissal of four employees of KMC Hospital after bribery allegations were established.

Arunraj further announced that the state would soon introduce localised first-aid and CPR training programmes for shopkeepers and residents located near accident-prone areas. The initiative aims to strengthen emergency response mechanisms and reduce fatalities from road accidents by complementing the existing ‘Nammai Kakkum 48’ emergency care scheme.

The minister said the government remains committed to improving healthcare accessibility, hospital infrastructure, and transparency in public medical services across Tamil Nadu.