T.N. government to launch health insurance for the elderly
Another key announcement is the planned replacement of the 87-year-old Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939, with a modern, comprehensive Act to address contemporary and future health challenges
The Tamil Nadu government announced plans to introduce the 'Chief Minister’s Elderly Health Insurance Scheme' on August 17, 2026. The scheme will be available to approximately 38 lakh senior citizens aged 70 and above, offering free medical treatment at both government and private empanelled hospitals, without any income ceiling.
Health Minister K.G. Arunraj revealed 115 announcements for the Health Department, with an estimated total outlay of ₹2,997 crore. These included policy reforms, creation of new posts, infrastructure projects, equipment procurement, direct beneficiary programs, and digital health initiatives. The Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939, will be replaced with a comprehensive new Act to address contemporary and future health challenges.
The government plans to establish 'TN Medicity', a world-class integrated medical hub focusing on clinical services, research, medical tourism, and AYUSH. A Detailed Project Report will be prepared with a budget of ₹10 crore. The 'Nalam 360-Annual Free Health Check-up for All' scheme will be rolled out, providing 14 basic health tests annually to individuals aged 30 and above, free of cost, at 1,257 government health facilities.
The department will introduce Home Based Diagnostic Services in metropolitan areas on a public-private partnership model. A 'Positive Health Policy' promoting holistic health and wellbeing at various levels will be introduced, along with a 'Nalam 360' mobile application. The new legislation, 'TN Institutions of State Importance in Health Care Act', will create institutions of State importance to deliver world-class medical services.
Dr. Arunraj also addressed a long-standing demand by announcing 2,500 permanent posts for staff nurses, absorbing existing contract nurses into regular time-scale pay, and creating 1,695 nursing posts at a cost of ₹42.72 crore. Additionally, 3,594 medical staff across 24 categories will be recruited, and 284 temporary super-speciality posts will be created to provide advanced medical care at the district level.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu - Sci-Tech's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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