Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), Aug 2 (PTI) Tamil Nadu Health Minister K G Arunraj on Sunday said that the government is discussing on expanding the scope of the state’s medical insurance plan, CMCHIS, to cover a broader range of medical procedures.
“The Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) in Tamil Nadu covers most of the medical needs of people. Now we are discussing if we can further increase its scope. A good decision will be taken soon,” he said here during a press conference on ongoing administrative challenges in state-run medical facilities.
Responding to reporters’ queries regarding complaints that treatments covered under the insurance were sometimes difficult to access in government hospitals, the minister attributed the friction to a lack of public awareness.
Acknowledging persistent complaints regarding poor sanitation, drainage issues, and pest infestations in government hospital wards, he stated that the government is rolling out phased infrastructural upgrades, including the distribution of new bed linens to resolve immediate hygiene concerns.
Reaffirming the administration’s zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, the minister also issued a stern warning to hospital staff against extorting money from patients. He highlighted the recent dismissal of four employees at KMC hospital after bribery allegations were proven, reiterating that public healthcare must remain a dedicated, transparent service for the poor.
Additionally, aiming to curb fatalities from road traffic accidents, the state will soon launch localised first-aid and CPR training programmes for shopkeepers and residents stationed near highly accident-prone zones to supplement the existing ‘Nammai Kakkum 48’ emergency care scheme, the minister added. PTI JR JR ADB
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