Health Care in Tamil Nadu

The above citation rightly points out the importance of proper health care system in a society. Public wellness is primal to 21st century health care and parts the same overall objectives as the other health care arrangements, that is, bringing down premature decease and belittling the consequences of disease, impairment, and trauma. After all, the primary intention of public wellness is to push for a more salubrious population. This is a perfect example to a sustainable health care arrangement, and also offers economical and societal welfare for the state, due in part to amplified productiveness.

The southern state of Tamil Nadu is notable for its world-class health care system extended to the population. The Government of Tamil Nadu is committed in building a healthy population, thus building a healthy society. It is significant to mention that the various health care initiatives and schemes by the government are only intended to make health care available to all classes of people but providing superior quality health care at affordable cost is the supreme objective.

Matching world-class facilities and latest advancements, the Government of Tamil Nadu extends preventive, remedial and promotive health care to all classes of the society at affordable cost. The primary focus of the public health bodies is 'prevention is better than cure' and the Government of Tamil Nadu covers the wellness needs of masses at large rather than individuals. Furthermore, the state strongly believes that healthiness of the society bids a crucial role in the all round development of the state.

Fast Facts: 

• A Lancet report (World's leading general medical journal ) expressed that Tamil Nadu’s model of low-priced health care delivery can serve as an example for other states
  
  
• Several leading journals and medical organizations acclaimed Tamil Nadu's affordable health care model that considerably decreased infant mortality rate and maternal mortality
  
  
• World Health Organization's representative in India Dr Nata Menabde expressed that Tamil Nadu's health care is a role model to the world
  
  

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Health Care Profile of Tamil Nadu

The Department of Health and Family Welfare is the official health department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu is dedicated in making a healthy state not only by affording quality health care facilities accessible to the common man but also by concentrating on preventative health care and acceptance of salubrious lifestyles. The health department of Tamil Nadu, broadens it extensive initiatives, schemes and services, concurring with the words - A healthy nation is a wealthy nation!


As per the vital health indicators, Tamil Nadu is a leader among the various states in the country, in terms of health care. The southern state is progressing in a steady pace as an effective health care model for the other states in India, especially for maternal health care and childcare.  It is officially reported that 99.8 percent of childbirth in Tamil Nadu are conducted in establishments by highly qualified and trained professionals. The state has also accomplished respectable success in addressing communicable diseases like Poliomyelitis (polio), Hansen's disease (leprosy) and T.B (tuberculosis).


The considerable advancement in the obliteration of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV/AIDS) is also notable. The Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society (TANSACS) is fully committed and working towards the landmark of making the state as no-new-infection reported and a AIDS free. On the other hand, the Department of Health and Family Welfare of Tamil Nadu is also focusing on certain non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like polygenic disease of diabetes, common disorder of high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases and cancer which are coming forth as primary reasons behind morbidity and mortality in the state. In order to tackle these menacing diseases, the official health care body is following a two pronged scheme that include

• Early detection and treatment
• Creating awareness among the masses

For effective handling of public health, the Department of Health and Family Welfare of Tamil Nadu is divided into various branches and sub departments. Let's get a glance through some of the important sub departments, directorates and corporations functioning under the administrative control of the Department of Health and Family Welfare of Tamil Nadu include

State Rural Health Mission Tamil Nadu

Founded during the year 2005, the state rural health mission in Tamil Nadu was launched with the prospect of adding architectural corrections of the public health care system to enable it to appropriately address expanded allotments and encourage schemes and policies that tone up wellness management and health care service deliverance as directed by the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) of India.


To attain the objectives of the National Rural Health Mission, the Tamil Nadu State Health Mission was established and Tamil Nadu State Health Society was registered under Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975. Therefore, all the National Health Programmes at the state and district level are structured and it will operate through the exclusive sub commissions.

Some of the sub commissions of the State Rural Health Mission Tamil Nadu include

• Sub Committee for Tuberculosis Control
• Sub Committee for Vector Born Disease Control Programme
• Sub Committee for National Blindness Control Programme
• Sub Committee for Maternal Child Health and Family Welfare

The noble idea of the State Rural Health Mission Tamil Nadu is to extend easy access to equitable, low-cost and high quality health care facilities and services to the people.

Some of the important health care initiatives of the State Rural Health Mission Tamil Nadu include

• Nalamana Tamizhagam
• Vazhvoli Thittam aka Thursday School Health Programme
• Anti Shock Garment
• Family Welfare Programme
• Immunization Programme
• Integrated Disease Surveillance Project (IDSP)

Important Contact Information

National Health Mission - Tamil Nadu
#359 Anna Salai, 5th Floor, DMS Annex Building, DMS Complex, Teynampet,
Chennai - 600006
EPBX Board No.: 044-24321310
Fax No.: 044-24320563
Email: rchpcni@tn.nic.in

Mission Director
Dr. C.N. Mahesvaran, IAS   
Phone Number: 044-24336747

Additional Director
Dr. K. Amudhadevi   
Phone Number: 044-24336715   

State Programme Manager   
Tmt. R. Seethalakshmi   
Phone Number: 044-24336746

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Health Schemes in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project

Launched during the year 2005, the Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project is a singular enterprise of the Government of Tamil Nadu, in association with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank), to create an easily approachable, equitable and efficient health system in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project primarily works for the betterment of the health status of Tamil population belonging to the lower socio-economic strata. Some of the important themes where the Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project is definite and highly organized include

• Population and Reproductive Health
• Child Health
• Injuries and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

The total cost of the Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project is estimated at Rs. 597.15 crores and the role of the World Bank finds appreciations from all around. Among various objectives, the state health system project also covers reduction of child mortality and amending maternal health.

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Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHISTN)

Launched during the year 2012, the Cheif Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme was introduced to provide insurance cover for over 1.34 crore families living in Tamil Nadu. Under the Cheif Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme, the amount of money promised for each family unit is Rs.1 lakh annually for a total period of four years and for a total value of Rs. 4 lakh.


Almost 250 health care facilities are picked out under the insurance scheme. At the least, six health care facilities in each district of Tamil Nadu is covered. The health insurance scheme covers over 23 diagnostic procedures, 113 follow up procedures and 1,016 procedures. The cost of medical tests demanded for medical treatment also comes under the insurance cover.

Important Contact Information - CHCHISTN

Toll Free Number: 1800-425-3993

Project Office
No 226, Om Shakti Towers, Kilpauk Garden Road, Kilpauk,
Chennai - 600010

To know more about Cheif Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme, Click here

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Poison Treatment Centers in Tamil Nadu

A study expressed that the state witnesses a lot of cases of snake bites, organo phosphoric compound toxic condition cases and a few other poisonous cases which result in high mortalities.


In order to handle poison cases, the Government of Tamil Nadu through its Tamil Nadu Health System Project has established dedicated poison treatment facilities across the length and breadth of the state. As of now, there are 34 dedicated poison treatment facilities are operated across the 29 district headquarters hospitals and five taluk hospitals.

Some of the other important health care initiatives of Tamil Nadu Health System Project include

• Tribal Health Care
• Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and New born Care Services (CEmONC)
• Combating Diseases & Accidents

Important Contact Information

The Project Director - Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project (TNHSP)
Shri. M.S. Shanmugam, I.A.S.,
3rd Floor, DMS Annex New Building, 259 Anna Salai, Teynampet
Chennai - 600006
Phone Number: 044-24345992
Email: tnhsproject@gmail.com

Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society

Founded during the year 1993, the Tamil Nadu State Aids Control Society (TNSACS) is an integral part of the official health department of Tamil Nadu.



The primary objective of the TNSACS is to create awareness about the terrible disease of Acquired Immuno Deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Furthermore, the AIDS Control Society extends its full support to the victims from the unfortunate discrimination and ill treatment meted out. The society mainly works to educate the society about AIDS prevention and to restrict untrue beliefs about the disease in a broad way.

Some of the important factors, schemes and intervention under the AIDS Control Programme of TNSACS include

• Blood Safety and Training
• Programme Management
• Advocacy and Social Mobilization
• Targeted Intervention
• Care and Support for AIDS Victims
• Sentinel Surveillance
• Control of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)
• Information, Education and Communication

Help Lines for HIV/AIDS

Toll-free Helpline for HIV/AIDS: 1800-419-1800
(Lines are open from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM)

Anonymous Counseling: 4994656 / 4995696 / 470792 / 4970793

Community Action Trust
AIDS Research and Care No: 9, 1st Floor, 4th St., Padmanabha Nagar, Adyar,
Chennai - 20
Phone Number: 044-4461892

India Network for people living with HIV/AIDS (INP)
P.O.Box 4877, Chennai - 2
Phone Number: 044-8258014

Important Contact Information

Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society (TNSACS)
Number - 417, Pantheon Road, Chennai - 8

Project Director
Dr. C.N. Maheswaran, I.A.S.,
Phone Number: 044-28190261
Email: tansacs.pd@gmail.com

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Directorate of Medical and Rural Health Services of Tamil Nadu

The Directorate of Medical and Rural Health Services is committed with the responsibility of delivering medical aid and services to the population via non-teaching medical foundations. 


Furthermore, by diverse medical care policies and health programmes, the Directorate of Medical and Rural Health Services is aspiring to implement the Declaration of Alma-Ata (embraced at the International Conference on Primary Health Care, Almaty and Kazakhstan) all over the state. The decrease in infant death rate, maternal fatality rate, crude mortality rate and crude fertility rate get through the health care facilities functioning under this directorate.

Medical services by the Directorate of Medical and Rural Health Services is offered through the system of 162 taluk hospitals, 11 mobile medical units, 25 district level head quarters hospitals, 12 dispensaries and a total of 304 hospitals.

Important Contact Information

Director of Medical and Rural Health Services
Dr. A. Chandranathan., MD.,
Phone Number: 044-24343271/24364735

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Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine of Tamil Nadu

The Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine is held accountable for carrying out of diverse central government and state government health schemes and programmes in the state of Tamil Nadu.

Besides, the directorate designs and follows out various measures to forestall the contractible diseases thereby cutting down the death rate and impairment in Tamil Nadu. Some of the diseases considered include waterborne diseases like diarrhea, typhoid fever, HIV/AIDS and so on.

Important Contact Information

Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine
Dr.K.Kolandaswamy MBBS, M.A.E, DPH, DIH
Phone Number: 044-24320802

Danida Assisted Tamil Nadu Area Health Care Project

An aided health care project in nature, Danida Assisted Tamil Nadu Area Health Care Project was first implemented during the year 1981. The project is carried through on the basis of various phases throughout the southern state of Tamil Nadu.

The Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) Project is carried out in the state under two important factors and they are

• State level project catering to the infrastructure needs and demands of all the districts in the state except Madurai and Theni
• Sub project covering rural and urban parts of Madurai and Theni

The primary objective of the Danida Assisted Tamil Nadu Area Health Care Project
is to amend the wellness and family well-being status of the rural areas, particularly for the  weaker economic sections. In conformity with the National Health Policy (NHP), several external sponsors are offering financial support to the state government.

Homoeopathy Centres in Tamil Nadu

The Directorate of Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy is launched to manage the alternate health care and medical systems which include Unani, Siddha, Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, Naturopathy and Homoeopathy.


The primary objective of the Directorate of Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy include providing health care services to the population through age-old Indian medical systems, encouraging the growth of medicinal herbs, promoting home remedies and introduction of yoga and so on.

Some of the other important sub departments, directorates and corporations functioning under the administrative control of the Department of Health and Family Welfare of Tamil Nadu include

• Directorate of Medical Education
• Directorate of Drugs Control
• Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation
• Tamil Nadu State Blindness Control Society
• Tamil Nadu State Health Transport Department
• Medical Services Recruitment Board (MRB)
• Department of Food Safety & Drug Administration

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Health Infrastructure of Tamil Nadu

Type of Facility: District Head Quarters Hospitals
Operational: 29

Type of Facility: Taluk Hospitals
Operational: 155

Type of Facility: Non-Taluk Hospitals
Operational: 80

Type of Facility: Mobile Medical Units
Operational: 11

Type of Facility: Dispensaries
Operational: 11

Type of Facility: Women and Children Hospitals
Operational: 07

Type of Facility: ESI Hospitals
Operational: 07

Type of Facility: Rural Family Welfare Centres
Operational: 382

Type of Facility: T.B Hospitals
Operational: 04

Type of Facility: Leprosy Hospitals
Operational: 07

Type of Facility: Sub centre (SCs)
Requirement: 7555
Operational: 8706
Shortfall: nil

Type of Facility: Primary Health Centre (PHCs)
Requirement: 1254
Operational: 1227
Shortfall: 27

Type of Facility: Community Health Centre (CHCs)
Requirement: 313
Operational: 385
Shortfall: nil

Health Indicators of Tamil Nadu (as compared to national figures)

Infant Mortality rate (SRS 2011)
Tamil Nadu/India: 22/44

Maternal Mortality Rate (SRS 2007-09)
Tamil Nadu/India: 97/212

Total Fertility Rate (SRS 2011)   
Tamil Nadu/India: 1.7/2.4

Crude Birth Rate (SRS 2011)   
Tamil Nadu/India: 15.9/21.8

Crude Death Rate (SRS 2011)   
Tamil Nadu/India: 7.4/7.1

Natural growth rate (SRS 2011)   
Tamil Nadu/India: 8.5/14.7

Private Hospitals in Tamil Nadu

Apart from the exceptional network of Government hospitals, health sub centre, primary health centres, community health centres and many other network of hospitals to cater to the health care needs and demands of urban and rural population, the southern state of Tamil Nadu is also the home of several multi specialty and super specialty health care facilities that are operated on professional lines with all necessary and latest equipments matching international standards.


Some of the leading private health care facilities of Tamil Nadu include Apollo Hospital, Fortis Malar Hospital, Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, MIOT Hospital, SRM Hospital, Chettinad Health City, KG Hospital, Harshamitra Superspeciality Cancer Hospital, Vasan Eye Care Hospital, Sankara Nethralaya and so on. Find below some of the recent notable achievements of leading names in private sector health care in Tamil Nadu:

• Chennai Apollo Hospitals was ranked Number 4 among the 'Top 15 Multi specialty Hospitals in India' by the prestigious The Week-Nielsen Hospital Award in 2013
  
  
• KG Hospital in Coimbatore is the only health care facility in India to perform Balloon suppression of Trigeminal Neuralgia
  
  
• In 2008, Vasan Eye Care became the largest eye care hospital chain in India on setting up its 25th eye care facility in the temple city of Madurai
  
  
• Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospitals's Prof Amar Agarwal conferred with the prestigious 'Barraquer Award' for the phakonit technique (cataract removal through a 0.9 mm incision)
  
  
• Coimbatore's KG Hospital received several awards and accolades for performing India’s first Awake Open Heart Surgery and has also dialyzed a two-day-old baby

Most of the private sector health care facilities in Tamil Nadu are illustrious to cater the foreign nationals. With the delicate combination of spiritual aura, wide range of places to see and last but not least the state-of-the-art health care delivery, Tamil Nadu receives patients from all over the globe.

Important Contact Information - Tamil Nadu Health Care

Minister of Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare
Dr. C. Vijaya Baskar
Phone Number: 044-25671386, Extn-5601

Principal Secretary
Dr. J. Radha Krishnan
Secretary (Health & FW)
Department of Health & Family Welfare
Government of Tamilnadu,
4th Floor, Fort St. George,
Secretariat, Chennai - 600009
Phone Number: 044-25671875, 25665671
Fax: 044-25671253
Mobile Number: 09940542111
Email: hfwsec@gmail.com

Round the Clock Health Helpline: Dial 104 (answered in Tamil, English and Telugu)

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Tamil Medicine

Popularly called as Siddha medicine, Tamil medicine is regarded as the oldest medical system known to human race. Siddha medicine is accounted to have come up more than 10,000 years ago. Ancient siddhargal were the principal masterminds of this medicine system. Sage Agathiyar (Agasthya Mamunivar) is regarded as the leader of all Siddhas, and the Siddha medicine system is considered to have been taught to him by the Tamil god Lord Muruga (son of Lord Siva and Goddess Parvathi).


Agathiya munivar along with many siddhars made hundreds of thousands of works on Tamil medicine. In some respects, Tamil medicine or Siddha medicine intends that singular medicine system that is complete in every way. The ancient medicine system is supposed to rectify and restore nonadaptive human organs that induce the disease and to preserve the balance of Dosha Vaadham, Pitham and Kabam. The siddha medicine system afforded to practicians includes herbs, fruits, flowers and several roots in a blended basis.

In a few extraordinary cases, siddha medicine system advises the patient to take the usual siddha medicine along with paspam of the gold. Today, most of the practicing Siddha medical practitioners in Tamil Nadu are traditionally educated, generally in families and by teachers. It is important to note that the Government of Tamil Nadu offers a 5.5-year special educational course in Siddha medicine which is called as Bachelor in Siddha Medicine and Surgery (BSMS).

Both the state and central government dedicates its interest in Siddha medicine system, by opening education and research institutions like Palayamkottai Government Siddha Medical College, Central Council for Research in Siddha, Chennai National Institute of Siddha, Chennai Government Siddha Medical College and so on.