Gold rings for babies: Vault-like enclosures to be set up for storage at 107 high-load CEmONC centres in T.N.

Tamil Nadu's 107 Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) centres will implement secure vault-like storage facilities for one-gram gold rings intended for newborns under Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's 'Thaimaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam' scheme. Vault-like enclosures will be established at these health facilities to ensure the safe custody of the gold rings.

The State Health Secretary has instructed the Engineer-in-Chief and Chief Engineer (Buildings) of the Public Works Department (PWD) to expedite the construction of these safety enclosures by September 5, 2026. The proposed setup includes steel grill enclosures for steel bureau/storage cupboards, cupboards anchored to the floor and wall, and lockable gates.

The Health Secretary outlined measures to safeguard the gold rings, such as a restricted storage room with sealed windows and a reinforced, cement/concrete anchored cupboard. The cupboard should be enclosed with metal grills on three sides, and the storage room should not open into an easily accessible area with a grill on the door.

Technical specifications mandate the use of mild steel square rods and a reinforced cement concrete bed for stability. PWD officials are requested to issue instructions to district-level engineers to coordinate with medical facilities and complete the work expeditiously.