14,850 accident cases treated at Madurai GRH under NK-48 scheme
MADURAI: As many as 14,850 road accident victims have benefitted through the 'Innuyir Kappom Nammai Kakkum 48' (NK-48) scheme at the Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) in Madurai, since its launch in December 2021 till April 2025, according to records from the GRH Emergency Department. The hospital has so far provided treatment worth Rs 15.01-crore free of cost for patients under the scheme, said Dr S Thanappan, HOD (Emergency Medicine), GRH.
For the four years till 2024, the hospital has performed a total of 11,869 surgeries under the scheme -- 4,122 neurosurgeries, 3,056 orthopaedic surgeries, 4,247 general surgeries, and 444 major surgeries. In 2025, till April, the emergency department of the hospital has carried out 523 neurosurgeries, 557 orthopaedic surgeries, and 921 general surgeries.
Speaking to TNIE, Dr Thanappan said, "The primary task of the scheme is to treat and save the victims within 48 hours of the accident. Thus, all kinds of road accident cases are included in the scheme, and only these cases are eligible. A majority of the cases are related to neurology and neurosurgery, fractures (ortho) and severe vascular injuries. Often, cases from Theni, Sivaganga, Ramanathapuram and Dindigul are referred to the GRH, as victims might require advanced procedures, especially neurosurgeries. Many district hospitals and medical college hospitals do not have specialists in neurology, posing difficulties in treating head injuries at those facilities."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Minister launches scheme to provide medication for children with growth disorders
COIMBATORE: Health minister Ma Subramanian on Sunday inaugurated a scheme to provide somatrogon -- a medication -- to children with growth disorders in Tamil Nadu. Also, the minister inaugurated an emergency care and recovery centre (ECRC) for homeless people with mental illnesses in Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The ECRC is established at a cost of Rs 8 lakh. Speaking after the inauguration, the minister said the growth hormone medication scheme, worth Rs 13.28 crore, was launched to benefit children with developmental deficiencies. "Depending on each child's growth pattern, these medications need to be administered continuously for one to two years to support healthy development," he said. Emergency mental health services for mentally ill individuals without family support are operational in 16 locations in the state. 'In Coimbatore district, an upgraded emergency care and recovery centre with 15 beds has been launched with the support of a voluntary organisation to assist homeless individuals with mental health conditions,' he added. The minister said the installation of a cath lab and a new MRI scanner at CMCH has benefited people in the district and surrounding areas. 'Due to the enhancement of various medical facilities, the hospital now sees a daily influx of 4,500 to 5,000 outpatients," he said. Under the initiative of the district collector, the department of public health and preventive medicine, along with the District Blindness Prevention Society, had conducted 16 special eye examination camps since April in regions such as Madukkarai, Thondamuthur, Negamam, Karamadai, Sarkarsamakulam, Sultanpet, Valparai, Periyanaickenpalayam, and Annur, the minister said. "A total of 3,330 individuals benefited from these camps. Among them, 204 were identified with cataracts, and 139 underwent cataract surgery in CMCH to restore their vision. The remaining 65 are under continuous observation. Additionally, 496 elderly people with vision impairments were identified, and 50 were provided with eyeglasses with the assistance of the Coimbatore Rotary Club," he added.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Subhash Park's trees save Kochi lakhs a year, finds Cusat study
Kochi: The 339 trees at Subhash Bose Park in the heart of Kochi, play a crucial role in improving air quality by removing nearly 124.8kg of air pollutants annually. Without these trees, residents would require air purifiers in at least 150 homes, according to a recent study. While air purifiers can remove allergens, dust, pollen, smoke, and other pollutants, they are expensive and require regular maintenance — unlike trees, which provide long-term environmental benefits for ages. The study, titled "A Comprehensive Study of Subhash Park and Projected Benefits for Queen's Way Urban Expansion," was conducted by the School of Environmental Studies at Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) in collaboration with the Nansen (India). It stresses the importance of enhancing green cover in the few remaining open spaces in Kochi. The study quantifies the many environmental benefits trees offer, including air purification, carbon sequestration, stormwater mitigation, energy savings, and health cost reduction. According to the findings, residents in and around the park can save nearly Rs 3.74 lakh annually in healthcare costs due to improved air quality and lower exposure to pollutants. The study also highlights how trees mitigate the urban heat island effect by cooling the surrounding area. This cooling reduces the energy needed for indoor air conditioning in nearby buildings, especially during summer months. The park's canopy helps nearby buildings save about 13,400 kWh of electricity annually by lowering indoor temperatures. In addition, the park's dense tree cover acts as a natural barrier during heavy rainfall, reducing runoff and helping prevent urban flooding. This benefit translates to savings of nearly Rs 1.80 lakh per year in drainage infrastructure costs for the local authorities. "Given the multifaceted benefits, including public health, carbon sequestration, flood risk mitigation and groundwater recharge as pointed out in the study, urban planners must prioritise the integration of green cover in high-risk zones like hospitals, clinics, and schools. Green corridors and trees in these zones can strengthen health resilience, especially in climate-vulnerable regions like Kochi, which is facing intense heat in summer and flooding in monsoon," said Sravan Shaji, the author of the study. Dr Giby Kuriakose, assistant professor of Botany department in SH college Thevara said trees play multiple roles for ecosystem. "Trees reduce pollutants and there are a lot of native species the leaves of which even traps dust in the air. In the case of Subash Park, authorities can utilise it to raise native species to create awareness on it." The study was conducted jointly by Sravan Shaji of Cusat and Dr Bindu G of Nansen Environmental Research Centre. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini flags off state-level yoga marathon in Kurukshetra, drive for drug-free, fit youth; green campaign ahead 21 June
Haryana's CM Nayab Singh Saini flagged off a Yoga Marathon at Kurukshetra, initiating a campaign for a drug-free state ahead of International Yoga Day KURUKSHETRA: Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini flagged off a state-level Yoga Marathon at the sacred Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra, describing it as a 'Sankalp Yatra' (resolve journey) towards a yoga-rich and drug-free Haryana. The event was organised under the aegis of the Haryana Sports Department, AYUSH Department, Haryana Yoga Commission, and the district administration, with large participation from youth, women, and elderly citizens across the state. CM Saini emphasised that the campaign, in the run-up to International Yoga Day on 21 June, has already connected with over 19.27 lakh people across Haryana. He praised the public's enthusiasm, stating, 'This yoga marathon on the holy land of the Bhagavad Gita has become a strong movement to steer our youth away from drugs and towards a healthier, more purposeful life.' During the inauguration, CM Saini showered flower petals on the runners to encourage them and later addressed the gathering. A total of Rs 3.46 lakh in cash prizes was awarded to the top 20 winners. Among them were Gaurav and Monika from Sonipat, each receiving Rs 51,000. The marathon not only promoted yoga but also raised awareness about sports, culture, and environmental consciousness. Highlighting the upcoming International Yoga Day celebrations, CM Saini announced that people would get the opportunity to perform yoga alongside Swami Ramdev at Brahma Sarovar on 21 June. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villa For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search ads Learn More Undo Online registration for the event is already open. Saini also stressed the importance of daily physical activity and urged citizens to dedicate at least one hour to health and wellness. 'Yoga enhances our energy and efficiency. A healthy person contributes more effectively to national progress,' he said. Yoga Campaign Supports National Development Linking the yoga initiative with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a 'Developed India by 2047', CM Saini said, 'Drug abuse is a social evil that obstructs national development. Our youth are the nation's greatest assets, and protecting them from drugs is our duty.' He added that the International Yoga Day theme, 'One Earth, One Health', aligns with Haryana's campaign for a yoga-filled and drug-free society. The campaign has also taken on an environmental aspect. So far, 67,508 saplings have been planted under the Green Yoga Movement. Over 9.90 lakh people have engaged digitally with the campaign, while 38,000 AYUSH participants and 1.38 lakh Sports Department members have taken part in on-ground activities. Upcoming Plans The Yoga Awareness Journey will continue until 19 June, covering 5,000 villages in Haryana. On 21 June, organisations such as Patanjali Yog Peeth, Brahma Kumaris, Art of Living, and Bharatiya Yoga Sansthan will conduct yoga camps at 2,500 locations. Additionally, 10 lakh medicinal plants will be distributed and planted. CM Saini also announced the launch of a 5-minute 'Y-Break' in offices to help employees reduce stress during work. The event was attended by several dignitaries including former Minister Subhash Sudha, Sports Department Director and Ambala Division Commissioner Sanjeev Verma, Deputy Commissioner Neha Singh, Superintendent of Police Nitish Aggarwal, BJP District President Tejinder Singh Goldy, Yoga Commission Chairman Dr Jaideep Arya, and others. The marathon reflected the state government's holistic vision for youth empowerment, drug de-addiction, environmental protection, and cultural preservation through the practice of yoga. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
