Special Wards for Monkeypox Set Up in Four Major Government Hospitals, Says Health Minister

Health Minister Ma. Subramanian announces the establishment of dedicated wards for monkeypox in four major government hospitals in Tamil Nadu. Precautionary measures implemented at international airports and seaports.


Coimbatore: Health and Family Welfare Minister Ma. Subramanian addressed reporters at the Coimbatore International Airport after reviewing the monkeypox prevention and preparedness measures. He announced that special wards for monkeypox have been set up in four major government hospitals across Tamil Nadu.

The minister stated, "Dedicated wards for monkeypox have been established in four government hospitals: Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai, Coimbatore Medical College Hospital, Madurai Rajaji Government College Hospital, and K.A.P. Viswanatham Government Medical College Hospital in Trichy."



Subramanian elaborated on the precautionary measures implemented at international airports in Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, and Trichy. He said, "Arrangements have been made to screen passengers arriving from foreign countries for monkeypox infections and provide immediate medical treatment if necessary. Similar measures are also in place to monitor passengers arriving through seaports."

The minister mentioned that he had already inspected the monkeypox precautionary measures at Chennai International Airport. He added that awareness banners about monkeypox have been prominently displayed at the airport by district health officials to educate incoming passengers.



Addressing concerns about potential outbreaks, Subramanian said, "The Union Health Ministry has stated that no cases of monkeypox have been detected in India so far. In this context, it would not be appropriate to conduct tests for monkeypox in the Kerala border areas."

Regarding the Chief Minister's pharmacy initiative, the minister explained that essential medicines for communicable diseases are already being provided free of cost in government hospitals. He stated, "The Chief Minister announced this initiative with the noble intention of providing medicines at reduced prices. As promised by the Chief Minister, 1,000 pharmacies will be inaugurated across Tamil Nadu on Pongal day."

Subramanian also addressed security concerns in medical institutions, stating that all government medical college hospitals are equipped with CCTV cameras. He assured that there are no security lapses in any hospital and that instructions have been given to enhance security arrangements in medical colleges and district government hospitals.

Responding to a question about the multi-purpose block at Coimbatore Medical College Hospital, where only one floor is currently operational, the minister said that necessary medical equipment is being provided, and each floor will be put to use gradually.

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