Date:21/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/21/stories/2008092159340500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Private hospitals told to supplement government efforts

Special Correspondent

M.R.K.Panneerselvam

CHENNAI: Health Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam has appealed to private hospitals to supplement the government’s efforts at taking quality and free cardiac healthcare to the masses, especially children.

At a free mega cardiac health camp organised by Chettinad Health City at Rani Meyyammai Hall on Saturday, the World Heart Day, he said the government had embarked on an ambitious cardiac care programme for children aged below 12, providing them with a financial assistance of Rs.10,000, Rs.30,000 and Rs.70,000, depending upon the nature of ailments.

“We have already roped in 17 private hospitals under this programme and I appeal to more private sector hospitals to supplement the efforts of the government at taking free cardiac health care to the poorer sections,” he said. More than 500 children aged below 12 had already been covered, and 60 of them were treated by Chettinad Health City.

Commending Chettinad Health City for organising the free camp, Mr. Panneerselvam lauded the efforts of the hospital at making available free life-time medicare for freedom fighters. He gave away privilege health cards to 30 freedom fighters that entitled them to free treatment at the hospital.

The Minister had a word of praise for Chettinad Health City vice-chairman M.A.M.R. Muthiah for setting up a Rs.1,000-crore super-speciality centre of excellence in health care, education and research and patient care, on 100 acres, at Kelambakkam.