Healthcare gets a big push: CM Vijay launches Nalam TN, govt floats tender for new-born gold ring scheme
The Tamil Nadu government has unveiled two major initiatives aimed at strengthening public healthcare and expanding welfare benefits for families, with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay launching the ‘Nalam TN’ portal while preparations gather pace for the State’s ‘Thaimaman Gold Ring’ scheme.
At a function organised by the Health and Family Welfare Department in Chennai, the Chief Minister introduced the Nalam TN digital platform, an initiative under the Tamil Nadu Health Foundation that seeks to attract Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding and voluntary contributions from philanthropists, alumni of government medical colleges and individual donors. The portal enables transparent, secure donations to government hospitals across all 38 districts, allowing contributors to directly support infrastructure upgrades and improved medical facilities.
During the event, Vijay also inaugurated healthcare infrastructure and advanced medical equipment worth ₹139.47 crore. The projects include expanded facilities at Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital, new hospital buildings in Paramakudi and several district hospitals, 78 newly established Primary Health Centres and Health Sub-Centres, as well as modern medical equipment for government healthcare institutions. Appointment orders were also distributed to 2,144 healthcare personnel, including Assistant Medical Officers and Health Inspectors, to further strengthen the public health workforce
Meanwhile, the government has initiated the rollout of the ‘Thaimaman Gold Ring’ scheme by inviting tenders for the procurement of nearly 4.41 lakh gold rings. Under the programme, every child born in government hospitals and primary health centres in Tamil Nadu will receive a one-gram, 22-carat gold ring along with essential newborn care items. The initiative aims to encourage institutional deliveries while providing symbolic support to mothers and newborns.
The scheme has been allocated an annual budget of ₹755.83 crore, with all gold rings required to carry 916 hallmark certification. The benefits will be available exclusively to eligible Tamil Nadu residents delivering their babies in government healthcare facilities.
The government plans to officially launch the welfare programme on September 15, the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai, with Chief Minister Vijay expected to inaugurate the scheme.
