Enhanced insurance coverage to be implemented soon: Health Minister

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Health Minister K.G. Arunraj on Wednesday said that the recently announced increase in insurance coverage under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS) from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh will be implemented soon. No new insurance cards will be required and beneficiaries can continue to use their existing cards, he said.

Shortly after inaugurating two lecture halls renovated at a cost of ₹1.50 crore at the Madras Medical College, he said that the increase in coverage from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh does not mean that the insurance premium will increase five-fold as the number of families requiring advanced treatment and filing claims is likely to be less. Necessary funds will be allocated for this purpose, he said, according to a press release.

Dr. Arunraj said that in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) centres will be expanded to more district government hospitals. The expansion of IVF treatment centres in government hospitals was announced in the budget, and the work is fast progressing.

He also said that the shortage of chemotherapy drugs would be reviewed and appropriate action would be taken.

The Minister said that the public need not fear about H1N1 influenza and dengue. Last year, the cases were high during January - April, while this year, infections have been reported during May - July. The higher number of reported cases is also attributed to the increased number of fever tests being conducted. All necessary precautionary measures have been taken at government hospitals, he said.

As it is the monsoon season, the public should ensure that water does not stagnate around their homes. Precautions should be taken to prevent dengue transmission by Aedes mosquitoes, which are day-biting mosquitoes. Fever camps will be conducted for school students. Those experiencing fever along with headache, vomiting or severe body pain should immediately seek medical advice at the nearest government hospital or primary health centre.

The Minister said that two lecture halls of MMC have been renovated and opened. One was renovated with support from Rotary Club, while the other using government funds.

The lecture halls have been modernised to improve the learning environment for medical students. The facilities have been designed to provide students with a technology-enabled learning experience. The digital LED panel projection system and acoustic panelling in the halls will enable faculty members to use presentations, medical images, videos and clinical discussions on patients, the release said.

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