Health Minister I. Subramaniam on Tuesday said that the state government has decided to screen all patients above 50 years of age for cancer in district headquarters hospitals and government medical college hospitals.
Inaugurating a cancer screening outpatient department at KAP Vishwanatham Medical College Hospital here, Mr Subramaniam said the incidence of cancer was high among elderly patients. Therefore, it had become imperative to screen patients above 50 years of age. As a proactive step by the state government, it was decided to subject them to cancer detection tests in hospitals. If they go to hospitals for any treatment, they will also be asked to get tested. If needed, they will be able to start treatment earlier.
Similarly, many patients, mainly those with severe spinal cord injuries, were bedridden for long periods of time and suffered bedsores. For their better treatment, special wards with 10 beds will be made in the hospitals. The facility was opened at KAP Vishwanatham Medical College Hospital, which was equipped with another RT-PCR machine.
When the DMK came back to power in May, Mr Subramaniam said, the state faced a severe shortage of oxygen cylinders. It had a total capacity of 220 metric tonnes of oxygen for medical needs. Chief Minister MK Stalin took several steps to increase the storage and production of medical oxygen.
Apart from encouraging private companies and entrepreneurs to set up production facilities, the state government also took steps to augment their supply and storage. The total storage capacity of oxygen increased from 220 MT in May 2021 to 1,310 MT. An oxygen storage facility with a capacity of 142.5 MT has been set up at Manapparai to meet the needs of hospitals in the central and southern districts. State.
KN Nehru, Municipal Administration Minister Ambil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, School Education Minister J Radhakrishnan, Health Secretary, Collector S Sivarasu and others participated.
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