CHENNAI: In an effort to improve the performance of government hospitals and ensure better access to these State-owned medical facilities, Health Minister VS Vijay announced several new measures, including a new Cadre to improve management of government hospitals. Replying to the demand for grant to his department, Vijay said a ‘Medical Administrative Cadre’ will be set up to improve the performance of government hospitals. Referring to M Krishnasamy’s (Puthiya Tamilagam) view on inadequate management skills of doctors in State-run hospitals, Vijay said CM J Jayalalithaa had ordered setting up of an exclusive cadre to improve performance after examining the issue.“Doctors desirous of gaining management skills will be trained and given full-time responsibility in administration. This will ensure efficient functioning of hospitals. This initiative is a first -of-its-kind in India.” Also, at a cost of `24.2 crore, amenities in medical college hospitals, including diagnosis and treatment options, would be improved. The blood banks in Villupuram, Dharmapuri, Tiruvarur and Sivaganga would also be upgraded.On mental health, the minister said counselling centres would be set up in all districts at a cost of `2.5 crore. With regards to the Chief Minsiter’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme, special provisions had been incorporated to strengthen the role of govt hospitals. So far, 27,720 beneficiaries had undergone treatment costing `74.50 crore, and `750 crore had been allocated for 2012-13.“Under the revamped insurance scheme, the sum assured is enhanced to `1 lakh a year and `4 lakh for four years. While just 1.2 per cent patients opted to get treated in govt hospitals during the previous DMK regime, as much as 29 per cent have taken treatment in State-run facilities under the insurance scheme,” he pointed out.Although the State had huge public healthcare infrastructure, patients were often unaware of the facilities they could avail. Hence, a 24X7 helpline would be created at a cost of `2 crore.
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