Tamil Nadu health minister announces five-fold jump in insurance coverage to 25 lakh rupees

Tamil Nadu's Health Minister K.G. Arunraj has assured that the enhanced insurance ceiling under the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme will roll out shortly, with beneficiaries retaining their existing cards without needing fresh documentation.

The five-fold jump in coverage, from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh, will not trigger a proportionate rise in insurance premiums because relatively few families are expected to file claims for advanced treatment, the Minister said on Wednesday. He pledged that necessary funds will be allocated for the expanded scheme.

Expansion of IVF centres and drug review

Arunraj said in-vitro fertilisation centres will be extended to additional district government hospitals, with work progressing rapidly following the budget announcement. He also committed to reviewing the shortage of chemotherapy drugs and taking appropriate action.

Monsoon disease surveillance stepped up

Speaking after inaugurating two renovated lecture halls at Madras Medical College, built at a cost of ₹1.50 crore, the Minister addressed concerns over H1N1 influenza and dengue, urging the public not to panic. Last year, infections peaked between January and April; this year, cases have emerged during May to July. The higher reported caseload is partly due to intensified fever testing, he explained.

All precautionary measures are in place at government hospitals, and fever camps will be organised for schoolchildren. Residents should prevent water stagnation around homes to curb breeding of Aedes mosquitoes, which transmit dengue and bite during the day. Anyone experiencing fever accompanied by headache, vomiting or severe body pain should immediately visit the nearest government hospital or primary health centre, he said.

Technology upgrade at Madras Medical College

The two lecture halls were renovated with support from Rotary Club and government funds, and are equipped with digital LED projection systems and acoustic panelling to facilitate presentations, medical images, videos and clinical discussions. The facilities aim to provide medical students with a technology-enabled learning environment.

Source: The Hindu