PUDUCHERRY: Reiterating the government’s commitment to public health, Chief Minister N Rangasamy has directed the health department to reactivate the medical financial assistance scheme for treatment of life threatening diseases under the Puducherry Medical Relief Society(PMRS), functioning under the chief minister.
At present, the government is implementing the PM-JAY under Ayushman Bharat Health insurance scheme, which is confined to poor and elderly persons. With the Universal Health Insurance scheme planned by the government covering all the people of the union territory yet to materialise, the CM has instructed for the revival of PMRS.
A high-level review meeting on the progress of the Puducherry Government’s health department was held on Tuesday at the Legislative Assembly under the chairmanship of the chief minister. The meeting focused on evaluating existing schemes and identifying areas needing urgent attention.
CM Rangasamy directed officials to immediately fill all vacant posts in the department to improve efficiency and service delivery.
Addressing concerns raised over a shortage of life-saving medicines in government hospitals and PHCs, the CM emphasised that all essential medicines — regardless of cost — must be provided to patients free of charge. He also instructed health department officials to ensure that all medical equipment in government hospitals is properly maintained and fully functional.
Significant infrastructural developments in healthcare were also discussed, including the proposed opening of specialised cardiac and neurosurgery departments at the Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Research Institute. Proposals for purchasing advanced medical equipment to support these departments were reviewed.
In addition, the CM advised the establishment and operationalisation of a nephrology department equipped with dialysis facilities, and a CATH LAB for advanced cardiac care at the same institution.
The meeting was attended by speaker R Selvam, health secretary Jayanta Kumar Ray, director of health services Dr V Ravichandran, chief of government pharmacy Dr J Ramesh, and other senior officials.