Availability of ARV and ASV Vaccines at PHCs and Sub-Centres: TN Health Minister
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Synopsis
Tamil Nadu's Health Minister Ma. Subramanian announced the availability of anti-rabies and anti-snake venom vaccines at PHCs and sub-centres. His visit to a PHC in Tiruchi included assessing healthcare services and addressing past hygiene issues at various hospitals.
Key Takeaways
- ARV and ASV vaccines are now available at PHCs.
- Surprise inspections are aimed at improving healthcare accountability.
- Immediate actions taken against negligent officials.
- Four doses of ARV are administered after dog bites.
- Focus on enhancing public healthcare infrastructure.
Chennai, March 23 (NationPress) The Minister of Health and Family Welfare in Tamil Nadu, Ma. Subramanian, announced on Sunday that anti-rabies (ARV) and anti-snake venom (ASV) vaccines are now accessible at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and sub-centres throughout the state.
During an unannounced visit to the PHC located in Samayapuram, Tiruchi district, the minister inquired about a young boy who had suffered a dog bite and had received an anti-rabies vaccine (ARV).
Upon questioning the nurse, he learned that the boy would need to complete a total of four doses of ARV on days 0, 3, 7, and 28 after the incident.
“Since June 2023, both anti-rabies (ARV) and anti-snake venom (ASV) vaccines have been provided at PHCs and sub-centres. Previously, patients had to visit District Headquarters Government Hospitals for these vaccines,” stated the minister during his surprise inspection.
During his visit, he engaged with doctors, staff, and patients to evaluate the standard of healthcare services being offered.
The minister also conversed with patients regarding their treatment options and the overall operations of the PHC.
This visit is part of a series of surprise checks by Ma. Subramanian, aimed at improving accountability within the state’s healthcare framework.
A few months prior, during a surprise inspection at the Paramakudi Government Hospital, he discovered the facility was in disarray, particularly highlighting the unsanitary conditions of the CT scan room, warning it could result in infections.
Consequently, he mandated the swift transfer of the Chief Medical Officer due to negligence and instructed the Director of Health Services to demand an explanation from the Deputy Director of Health Services in Ramanathapuram district.
In another incident, during a check at the Aanavasal Government Hospital in Pudukottai, the minister suspended the Joint Director of Medical and Rural Health Services and transferred the Chief Medical Officer after identifying unsanitary conditions at a care home for the mentally ill situated on the hospital premises.
Since assuming his role, Ma. Subramanian has conducted numerous surprise inspections at hospitals and PHCs across Tamil Nadu, taking immediate action against negligent officials to enhance the state's public healthcare system.
