2 days ago
No Covid death in TN so far, says health minister
Pudukottai: No Covid-related deaths have been reported in the state so far, and there is no need to panic, however, people with comorbidities, pregnant women, individuals with low immunity, and the elderly should wear masks, minister for health and family welfare, Ma Subramaniam, said on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters in Pudukottai, the minister said, "As far as Covid-19 is concerned, based on the 19 samples collected in Tamil Nadu, the virus belongs to the low-severity Omicron variant. So there is no need for alarm."
Dismissing concerns about a shortage of medical staff in govt facilities, the minister said that the number of people receiving treatment in govt hospitals has grown multifold due to enhanced medical infrastructure and improved healthcare services in Tamil Nadu.
"In the last four years, 29,771 medical personnel have been appointed through TNPSC, MRB, and NHM. Additionally, to address upcoming vacancies in govt primary health centres in 2026, as many as 2,642 doctors have been appointed. Therefore, as far as govt primary health centres are concerned, there is currently a surplus of doctors," he added.
Earlier in the day, the minister, along with ministers Siva Meyyanathan and S Regupathy, laid foundation stones for new medical infrastructure. A total of 21 new medical buildings that were built at a cost of 7.62 crore were inaugurated, and the foundation stone was laid for 11 more medical building projects estimated at 9.8 crore.