T.N. government to launch health insurance for the elderly

Tamil Nadu will introduce the 'Chief Minister's Elderly Health Insurance Scheme' to provide free medical treatment for senior citizens aged 70 and above. The scheme will cover nearly 38 lakh elderly individuals and offer services like cancer care packages, advanced cardiac surgeries, organ transplants, and high-end diagnostics at empanelled government and private hospitals.

Health Minister K.G. Arunraj announced 115 proposals for the Health Department with an estimated budget of ₹2,997 crore, including policy reforms, universal free health services, new posts, infrastructure projects, and digital health initiatives.

The outdated Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939, will be replaced with a modern comprehensive Act to tackle contemporary and future health challenges. A new provision will make unsupervised home births outside hospitals a punishable offense. The government plans to establish 'TN Medicity', a world-class integrated medical hub for clinical services, research, medical tourism, and AYUSH, with ₹10 crore allocated for a Detailed Project Report.

The 'Nalam 360-Annual Free Health Check-up for All' scheme will be rolled out, providing 14 basic tests annually for individuals aged 30 and above, free of cost, at 1,257 government health facilities across the state. The department will introduce Home Based Diagnostic Services in metropolitan areas using a public-private partnership model. A 'Positive Health Policy' and the 'Nalam 360' mobile application will promote holistic health and wellbeing at various levels.

A significant announcement is the creation of 2,500 permanent staff nurse posts, replacing contract nurses on consolidated pay. Additionally, 3,594 medical staff from 24 categories, including pharmacists, nursing assistants, village health nurses, and ophthalmic assistants, will be recruited. The department will also create 284 temporary super-specialty posts across 25 specializations to enhance advanced medical care at the district level. These posts will be created to accommodate newly graduated doctors posted on bond conditions.

Several infrastructure projects, including new hospital buildings and medical equipment, will be undertaken. The government aims to address a long-standing demand by creating 2,500 permanent staff nurse posts and 3,594 medical staff across 24 categories.