TN tops in public health sector, says Ramadoss

New Delhi, Mar 7 (UNI) Tamil Nadu's public health sector has emerged as the first choice for many households in the country due to the good example set by it, Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss said today.

He said this while congratulating a delegation from Tamil Nadu State Health Department on managing one of the finest public health systems in the country.

Referring to the shift in perception, the Minister said it was indeed remarkable as public health systems were often criticised for poor quality services, and appreciated the dramatic shift in institutional deliveries and other patient care services and the engagement of three staff nurses round-the-clock in more than 900 primary health centres in the state.

He singled out Tamil Nadu Minister for Health and Family Welfare Thiru M R K Panneerselvam, who led the visiting delegation, for having led the entire thrust on quality health services, saying "I am sure if the current thrust on healthcare in Tamil Nadu is maintained it will emerge as perhaps the finest example in the country in reaching health services to every household.'' Dr Ramadoss discussed the ongoing healthcare programmes in the state under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and strengthening of the mission further with the state health officials.

He assured that funds will be released to the state under NRHM activities along with the ongoing programmes of the Ministry.

Availability of funds will not be a constraint for upgradation, strengthening and creation of facilities, he added.

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