Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Inaugurates Major Healthcare Initiatives in Chennai
In a significant boost to paediatric healthcare infrastructure in southern India, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Tuesday laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art super speciality children's hospital and research centre in Chennai. The ambitious 417.07-crore project is being established at the King Institute of Preventive Medicine and Research campus in Guindy, marking a substantial investment in specialized medical care for children.
750-Bed Super Speciality Children's Hospital
The new facility, to be developed by Dr MGR Medical University, will feature 750 beds spread across a 6.5-acre site. This comprehensive hospital aims to dramatically improve access to advanced paediatric care in south Chennai while simultaneously supporting medical education and cutting-edge research initiatives. As announced in the state assembly, the hospital will encompass six floors housing multiple specialized departments.
The hospital's extensive facilities will include:
- Emergency and outpatient services
- Inpatient wards with modern amenities
- Advanced intensive care units
- State-of-the-art operation theatres
- Comprehensive diagnostic facilities
- Specialized research laboratories
Medical departments will cover crucial specialties including cardiology, neurology, orthopaedics, haematology, gastroenterology, and nephrology, ensuring comprehensive care for young patients with diverse medical needs.
HPV Vaccination Pilot Program Launch
In a parallel healthcare initiative, Chief Minister Stalin launched a pilot human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination programme designed to prevent cervical cancer among adolescent girls. The event took place at Chennai Trade Centre in Nandambakkam, where the CM inaugurated the vaccination drive covering 30,209 girls aged fourteen in government and government-aided schools across four districts: Dharmapuri, Perambalur, Tiruvannamalai, and Ariyalur.
These districts were specifically selected for the pilot program due to their higher incidence rates of cervical cancer. According to the 2025–26 state budget, Tamil Nadu has allocated 36 crore rupees to roll out HPV vaccination in a phased manner for all 14-year-old girls across the state, with 3.38 lakh beneficiaries already identified statewide.
Tamil Nadu Cancer Care Mission
During the same event, Chief Minister Stalin released the comprehensive action plan for the Tamil Nadu cancer care mission. This strategic initiative focuses on four critical pillars of cancer management: prevention through awareness and vaccination, early detection through screening programs, advanced treatment facilities, and palliative care services for patients requiring supportive care.
The cancer care mission represents a holistic approach to addressing the growing burden of cancer in the state, with particular emphasis on preventable cancers like cervical cancer through initiatives like the HPV vaccination program.
High-Level Participation
The healthcare events witnessed participation from numerous dignitaries and officials, including Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and Health Minister Ma Subramanian. Several Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assembly, and senior government officials attended the ceremonies in person, while district collectors and legislators from across Tamil Nadu joined the proceedings virtually, demonstrating widespread support for these healthcare initiatives.
These dual healthcare launches underscore the Tamil Nadu government's commitment to strengthening both specialized paediatric care and preventive healthcare measures, particularly in cancer prevention, as part of its broader public health strategy for the state's residents.
