Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Tuesday, announced a 22-point health chart and Rs 500 crore worth health schemes for all sections of society in the assembly. She also stated that The Cancer Institute in Adyar, Chennai would be upgraded at a cost of Rs 120 crore. Neo-natal intensive care units, replacement of old ambulances and various medical equipment will also be provided to some government hospitals in the state, among other new initiatives.
Who are the health schemes for?
Jayalalithaa announced four major schemes of which two are for women. The 'Amma Woman Special Master Health Check-up' and 'Amma Magapperu Sanjeevi' are for women across the state. The 'Amma Master Health Check-up Scheme' and 'Amma Health Scheme' is for all.
What are the medical benefits under each scheme?
The 'Amma Master Health Check-up Scheme' includes all medical check-ups which will be done at a nominal rate. Tests include those like cholesterol, liver function test, X-Ray, USG-abdomen, Echo-cardiogram and HbA1C.
In the 'Amma Woman Special Master Health Check-up' all major medical check-ups required for women would be done at a nominal rate. Tests like pap smear, digital mammogram, parathyroid hormone tests will be done under this scheme.
In the 'Amma Magapperu Sanjeevi Scheme', 11 types of Siddha medicines for expectant mothers would be provided. Right from the early stage of pregnancy till post delivery, women can avail of these.
Under the 'Amma Health Scheme', medical check-ups will be free of cost and if any disease is diagnosed, free treatment will be provided. In this scheme, diagnostic tests, blood sugar, ECG, etc, will be provided.
Where will the schemes be available?
The 'Amma Master Health Check-up Scheme' and the 'Amma Woman Special Master Health Check-up Scheme' will be launched on a pilot basis at the Government General Hospital in Chennai. Medical equipment worth Rs 10 crore will be bought and installed in the hospital.
The 'Amma Health Scheme' will be available two days a week in Primary Health Centres (PHC) in 385 blocks across the state. Treatment under this will be given by the PHC or the nearby government hospital.
Costs involved for an individual
The Amma Master Health Check-up Scheme – Nominal Costs
The Amma Woman Special Master Health Check-up Scheme – Nominal Costs
The Amma Magapperu Sanjeevi Scheme – Nominal Costs
The Amma Health Scheme – Free
