Latest news with #MaSubramanian


Time of India
an hour ago
- Health
- Time of India
Health department will start siddha fertility clinic, says min Ma Su
Chennai: The health department will start fertility clinics under the department of Indian medicine on a pilot basis, similar to allopathic fertility clinics, at the Govt Siddha Hospital in Chennai, health minister Ma Subramanian said on Saturday. The minister, who took part in a yoga demonstration as part of International Yoga Day, said the state started three allopathic fertility clinics — one each in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Salem — recognizing the increasing prevalence of infertility and the need for improved access to affordable and high-quality fertility care, as well as further research into the underlying causes and effective prevention strategies. "I read an article by a doctor from this institution who said textbooks of siddha medicine, written centuries ago, prescribe drugs to solve infertility. We will soon start a siddha clinic for fertility on this campus," he said. The state is also working on legislation to set up a siddha university at Madhavaram. The Tamil Nadu Siddha Medical University Bill, 2022, which was tabled in the state legislative assembly, was earlier withdrawn. The govt said it will undertake fresh legislation in tune with the provisions contained in the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Act. In 2021-2022, the govt announced it would establish a separate siddha university. A bill passed by the Tamil Nadu assembly on April 28, 2022, was sent for the Governor's assent, but it was sent from Raj Bhavan for the assent of the President. The Centre said certain provisions of the Tamil Nadu Siddha Medical University Bill, 2022, are not in accordance with the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Act, 2020. "We will place the new bill in the coming assembly session," Subramanian said. Tamil Nadu is the only state where there are govt-run colleges for five streams of Indian medicine and homeopathy. The govt will fill doctor vacancies in this stream soon.


New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
TN health minister launches mental health counselling for students who did not clear NEET-UG
CHENNAI: Health Minister Ma Subramanian launched mental health counselling for students who failed to clear the NEET-UG exam at the 104 helpline centre at DMS campus on Monday. Speaking to media persons, Subramanian said, 1,35,715 people appeared for NEET-UG from Tamil Nadu this year, among them 76,181 people qualified and 59,534 did not clear the exam. In the first phase, counselling has begun with 80 counsellors in two shifts. Senior counsellors have contacted around 600 students. Even if students did not clear NEET this year, they can appear next time, so students are advised not to lose hope and continue to study. Parents also should not get too emotional about the results, the minister said. When asked about the Coimbatore girl who secured All India Rank 40 in NEET but was not featured in the official rank list released by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the minister said, health secretary will write to the officials concerned in the NTA and seek an explanation.


Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Scheme to provide medicines for kids with growth disorders
Coimbatore: Health minister Ma Subramanian on Sunday inaugurated a scheme to provide somatrogon -- a medication -- to children with growth disorders in Tamil Nadu. Also, the minister inaugurated an emergency care and recovery centre (ECRC) for homeless people with mental illnesses in Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH). The ECRC is established at a cost of ₹8 lakh. Speaking after the inauguration, the minister said the growth hormone medication scheme, worth ₹13.28 crore, was launched to benefit children with developmental deficiencies. "Depending on each child's growth pattern, these medications need to be administered continuously for one to two years to support healthy development," he said. Emergency mental health services for mentally ill individuals without family support are operational in 16 locations in the state. "In Coimbatore district, an upgraded emergency care and recovery centre with 15 beds has been launched with the support of a voluntary organisation to assist homeless individuals with mental health conditions," he added. The minister said the installation of a cath lab and a new MRI scanner at CMCH has benefited people in the district and surrounding areas. "Due to the enhancement of various medical facilities, the hospital now sees a daily influx of 4,500 to 5,000 outpatients," he said. Under the initiative of the district collector, the department of public health and preventive medicine, along with the District Blindness Prevention Society, had conducted 16 special eye examination camps since April in regions such as Madukkarai, Thondamuthur, Negamam, Karamadai, Sarkarsamakulam, Sultanpet, Valparai, Periyanaickenpalayam, and Annur, the minister said. "A total of 3,330 individuals benefited from these camps. Among them, 204 were identified with cataracts, and 139 underwent cataract surgery in CMCH to restore their vision. The remaining 65 are under continuous observation. Additionally, 496 elderly people with vision impairments were identified, and 50 were provided with eyeglasses with the assistance of the Coimbatore Rotary Club," he added.


Hans India
6 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
TN to launch mental health support for students who couldn't clear NEET
In a bid to provide psychological support to students reeling under exam pressure, the Tamil Nadu government will soon launch a dedicated mental health counselling programme via the 104 helpline, especially aimed at those who could not clear the NEET-UG and board examinations. This was announced by Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian in a statement on Monday. The move comes amid growing concerns over the mental well-being of students following high-stakes entrance exams, with the minister acknowledging the emotional distress many face after failing to secure desired results. According to official records, Tamil Nadu has witnessed at least 22 suicides related to NEET since the national medical entrance test was introduced, underscoring the urgent need for psychological assistance. Minister Ma Subramanian stated that this initiative would provide immediate access to qualified mental health professionals who can offer counselling and guide affected students and their families. 'Our government is committed to standing by students during this emotionally challenging phase. Through the 104 helpline, we aim to ensure that no child feels isolated or hopeless due to academic setbacks,' he said. The announcement comes after six students from Tamil Nadu figured among the top 100 national ranks in the NEET UG 2025, highlighting both the competitive spirit and emotional burden associated with the exam. This year, 1,35,715 students from Tamil Nadu appeared for NEET, of whom 76,181 were deemed eligible, translating to an eligibility rate of approximately 56 .per cent. However, this marks a slight dip of 2.2 percentage points compared to the previous year's results, according to data released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on Saturday. Minister Subramanian noted that the state has received 32,000 applications for MBBS admissions and assured that priority will be given to NEET-qualified candidates during the counselling process. 'While it is not possible to offer medical seats to every eligible student due to limited capacity, the government will ensure that deserving candidates are given top consideration, in line with the guidelines issued by the Medical Counselling Committee and the Tamil Nadu Medical Council,' he said. The minister reiterated the Tamil Nadu government's consistent opposition to NEET, pointing to the disproportionate stress it places on rural and underprivileged students. He called for a fair and inclusive admission framework that considers the state board curriculum and socio-economic disparities. The state's 104 helpline, operational 24/7, is expected to play a pivotal role in offering timely mental health interventions and potentially saving lives in the process.


New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
Tamil Nadu plans mental health counselling for those who fail to clear NEET
COIMBATORE: The state government is planning to launch a special mental health counselling programme through 104 (helpline) for those who could not clear the NEET and board examinations, said Health Minister Ma Subramanian during an event at Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH) on Sunday. The announcement came hot on the heels of six students from Tamil Nadu figuring in top 100 ranks in NEET UG 2025. However, the number of students who qualified in NEET in TN recorded a marginal dip of 2.2 percentage points in the results declared by the National Testing Agency on Saturday. Ma Subramanian said 1,35,715 students appeared for the NEET from TN, out of which 76,181 were deemed eligible. 'Although it is not possible to provide seats to all eligible candidates, the government will give first preference to them while filling the seats. We have received 32,000 applications for the MBBS programme, and counselling will be held soon based on the NEET score and guidelines provided by the Medical Counselling Committee and Tamil Nadu Medical Council,' he said.