Inaugurating the programme, he said that ENT surgeries arealso being covered under the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health InsuranceScheme and so far 4,101 paediatric surgeries have been done under the scheme ata cost of Rs 327 crore.

He added that an allocation of Rs 4 crore has been made toperform surgeries for children who cannot afford it. "A total of Rs. 3.62crore has been spent to replace faulty surgical equipment. So far, 1.35lakh  people have been provided with new hearing aids at a cost of Rs 108crore under the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Medical Insurance Scheme. Atotal of Rs 10 crore has been allocated this year for the purchase of modernequipment for all government hospitals to continue these projects," saidChief Minister.   

Talking about Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam, he said that about10 lakh people have benefitted from the scheme. Chief Minister said that thegovernment is dedicated to ensure easy access to healthcare in the State and weare ready to embrace all sections of the society. "We are trying to ensurethat treatment reaches to the people and they need not fear coming to thehospital," he said.

 Another initiative to diagnose hypertension in thoseover 18 years of age and conduct tests for non-communicable diseases for thoseover 30 years of age was also launched. The list of those identified in theprogramme will be covered under Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam.