LPG crisis: no issues at hospitals so far, says Health Minister

Health Minister reports no LPG shortages for hospitals; alternative cooking methods discussed, while recruitment and health initiatives progress.

Health Minister Ma. Subramanian on Friday said oil companies were requested to ensure adequate supply of LPG cylinders in the State, particularly for hospitals. So far, no hospital has reported any problems, he said.

Alternative measures, such as using electric stoves and firewood, were being discussed to ensure that patients receive their diets without any disruption, Mr. Subramanian said. Similarly, students staying in hostels have not faced any shortage issues, he added.

The process to fill a little over 1,000 posts of assistant surgeons commenced with counselling on Friday. A total of 100 candidates were called for counselling after which appointment orders were issued to them. A total of 1,071 were selected after certificate verification and communal rotation. Counselling will continue for the remaining candidates and appointment orders would be issued.

Mr. Subramanian said a five-year-old boy from Kancheepuram became the hundredth child to undergo bone marrow transplantation at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital. The cost of treatment ranged from ₹20 lakh to ₹50 lakh, and this was covered under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme.

Earlier, he launched Nadappom Nalam Peruvom 2.0 initiative, under which an eight-kilometre “Health Walk” track was created in the Avadi Corporation. The initiative was already implemented in 38 districts. In the second phase, the tracks were created in 37 revenue districts. In total, the health walk tracks were created in 75 locations in the State, Mr. Subramanian added.