Tamil Nadu Sees Drop In Road Accident Deaths, Ma Subramanian Attributes Success To ‘Innuyir Kaappom' Scheme

This scheme offers about 81 recognised live-saving procedures to a maximum cover of up to Rs 1 lakh to the victim, both beneficiaries and non-members of CMCHIS

New Delhi: The number of deaths due to road accidents has dropped from 1,534 in January 2021 to 745 in January this year, Tamil Nadu health minister Ma Subramanian said on Wednesday, attributing the success to the government scheme ‘Innuyir Kaappom-Nammai Kaakkum 48’.

Under this scheme, the government provides free medical treatment to the injured within the first 48 hours.

“So far, 18,580 road accident victims have been rushed to the hospitals within 48 hours. The government has so far spent Rs 16.97 crore for the victims. The number of hospitals earmarked for the scheme has now been increased to 640. Of this, 218 are private hospitals and 422 are government hospitals,” said the minister, as quoted by The New Indian Express.

A total of 118 new ambulances will be introduced under this scheme next Monday, the minister added.

The Innuyir Kaappom scheme was launched by Chief Minister MK Stalin last year in a bid to curb road accidents.

This scheme offers about 81 recognised live-saving procedures to a maximum cover of up to Rs 1 lakh to the victim, both beneficiaries and non-members of the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS).

Under this scheme, the beneficiaries of CMCHIS would be allowed to continue treatment at the same hospital while those not covered under this scheme or any insurance scheme will be treated for free at the government hospital after his or her condition is stabilised, according to the government release issued during the launch.

After stabilisation, the victim is asked to opt for payment through health insurance or self in case the person seeks to be shifted to a hospital of his or her choice.

Meanwhile, as many as 49,79,665 people have been benefited through the ‘Makkalai Thedi Maruthavam’ scheme and the number is expected to cross 50 lakh by Sunday, the state health minister added.

Subramanian also inspected the robotic surgery centre at Government Omandurar Medical College Hospital that is set to open soon.

“The government is making efforts to diagnose and treat cancer in the first and second stages. Work is underway to prepare a cancer registry in collaboration with the Adyar Cancer Hospital,” the minister said, adding specialised cancer centres would be set up in Karapet, Madurai, Salem and Nagercoil.