Tamil Nadu allocates ₹20,198 crore for health, an increase of 8.2%

The Health and Family Welfare Department is set to receive a substantial Budget allocation of ₹20,198 crore, announced Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, while presenting the state Budget for the year 2024-25.

He noted that the government’s unwavering commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) was evident as it has already achieved the maternal and child health-related SDGs ahead of the 2030 target.

Programmes, schemes for the people
To address the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases, particularly high blood pressure and diabetes, the Finance Minister highlighted the implementation of the “Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam” programme. In a significant financial commitment, a sum of ₹243 crore will be allocated to provide healthcare services directly to people’s doorsteps.

Minister Thennarasu emphasised the state’s success in health insurance schemes. “With more than 50 percent of treatment under the health insurance scheme being availed in government hospitals, Tamil Nadu has become the leading state nationally.” To further strengthen healthcare services in government hospitals, an allocation of ₹200 crore from the insurance corpus fund will be utilised to upgrade their infrastructure facilities, he added.

The state government is also set to expand the life-saving “Innuyir Kappom: Nammai Kaakkum – 48 Thittam”, benefitting over 2 lakh people so far. In response to the increasing costs of treatment, the maximum threshold for availing of free treatment during the first 48 hours post-accident will be raised from ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh.

Enhancing TN’s health infrastructure
The Budget also addresses the critical need for enhancing healthcare infrastructure across Tamil Nadu.

The Finance Minister announced plans to upgrade Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and diagnostic services, allocating ₹142 crore for equipping government hospitals in various districts. Notable additions include six ICUs with 50 beds each in government hospitals at Rameswaram, Sendurai (Ariyalur district), Sriperumbudur, Arakkonam, Theni, and Salem.

Additionally, a 100-bedded ICU will be constructed at an estimated cost of ₹40 crore at Perundurai Government Medical College Hospital in Erode district, while ₹87 crore has been allocated for the construction of additional buildings in 25 taluk and non-taluk hospitals.

An additional ₹64 crore will be invested in upgrading the Tamil Nadu Government Dental College Hospital in Chennai.

Highlighting the significance of early cancer detection, Minister Thennarasu announced the implementation of a new Cancer Management Mission. This mission aims to create awareness, promote early detection, provide effective treatment, and rehabilitative care.

Additionally, the Government Arignar Anna Memorial Cancer Hospital in Kanchipuram will be fitted with equipment for advanced cancer treatment in order to upgrade the institution into a “Centre of Excellence”.

In a bid to combat substance abuse, the Finance Minister announced that the state will establish de-addiction centres in 25 government hospitals. These centres will offer institution-based counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation services, with an allocated budget of ₹20 crore. The South First