TN to be health capital of India with new assembly converted

Outlining her government's various initiatives in the health sector, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa today indicated that conversion of the New Assembly complex into a multi-speciality hospital will result in Chennai becoming the "Health Capital of India."

In her address at the silver jubilee convocation of Dr MGR Medical University here, she said progress and universal coverage in the health sector was a key to Tamil Nadu’s prominence as the 'numero-uno' state in India, as productivity depends on the health and well-being of the people.

"With this principle in mind, my Government is committed to dedicating the (Assembly complex) building at Omandurar Estate as a multi-speciality hospital to meet the health needs of the common people by offering the best possible yet affordable treatment."

A medical college will also be started to augment the number of physicians and create ‘health assets’. Post Graduate courses will be offered to create more specialists. Chennai is all set to become the 'Health Capital of India'," she said.

Soon after coming to power in 2011, the Chief Minister had announced that the New Assembly Complex, a previous DMK initiative, would be turned into a multi-speciality hospital besides another block to be used for the medical college.

Jayalalithaa had then reasoned that the building cannot accommodate all the government departments.

She said her government placed "highest priority" on health of the people, which was evident from a number of factors, including increase in budgetary allocations to the health sector with government allocating Rs 6511 crore in the current year.

She said her government had managed to add 410 additional MBBS seats in Government Medical Colleges, increasing the number to 2555 this year.

"I have stood rock-firm in protecting the rights of my state and the interests of the students, in opposing the introduction of the Common National Entrance cum Eligibility Test (NEET), which was eventually decided in the Supreme Court in favour of our Government’s consistent stand," she said.

The state is also performing well in other health parameters like Infant Mortality rate and Maternal Mortality Rate, registering figures lesser than national targets.

She recalled her government's other programmes, including hiking assistance under Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme which she said had incentivised ante natal care.

Cancer screening of the breast and cervix has been launched in 32 districts, she added.