The Tamil Nadu government is set to introduce the ‘Chief Minister’s Elderly Health Insurance Scheme,’ aimed at providing healthcare coverage to approximately 38 lakh senior citizens aged 70 and older. Health Minister KG Arunraj announced the initiative in the Assembly on Monday.
This scheme will offer free medical treatment at both empanelled government and private hospitals. It will cover a range of services, including cancer care packages, advanced cardiac surgeries, organ transplants, and high-end diagnostic services, regardless of the beneficiaries’ income levels.
Highlighting Tamil Nadu’s reputation as the country’s health capital, he announced plans to establish ‘TN Medicity’, a world-class integrated medical hub encompassing clinical services, research, medical tourism and AYUSH. Dr. The 87-year-old Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939, will be replaced with a modern and comprehensive legislation aimed at addressing present and emerging health challenges. The government will allocate Rs 10 crore in the first phase for preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR).
Arunraj said the proposed law would include a provision making unsupervised home births conducted outside hospitals a punishable offence.
