TN Revenue Minister Sengottaiyan defends private hospital visit as routine check-up
Synopsis
Tamil Nadu Revenue Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan's private hospital visit has exposed a quiet contradiction within the TVK government — his cabinet colleague had publicly committed ministers to using government hospitals. Sengottaiyan's defence: the facility belongs to relatives and he has always gone there free of charge. A routine check-up has become a political talking point.
Key Takeaways
Sengottaiyan , Tamil Nadu Revenue Minister, visited a private hospital in Coimbatore for a routine health screening on or before 25 May .
He said work pressure had delayed his regular check-ups for eight months ; he normally undergoes screening twice a year .
The hospital is run by his relatives , and he receives treatment there free of cost .
The visit drew scrutiny because TVK minister Arunraj had earlier stated that TVK ministers would use government hospitals .
Sengottaiyan also commented on the Coimbatore girl murder case and welfare schemes, deferring future decisions to Chief Minister C.
Tamil Nadu Revenue Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan on Monday, 25 May defended his decision to seek medical care at a private hospital, saying the visit was a routine health screening and not treatment for any serious condition. His clarification came in response to questions raised about whether the move contradicted the TVK government's stated position that its ministers should use government hospitals.
What the Minister Said
Speaking to reporters at Coimbatore Airport on Monday morning, Sengottaiyan said a demanding official schedule had prevented him from completing his regular health check-ups for the past eight months. He said he typically undergoes a full physical examination twice a year and chose to complete all pending tests during the recent hospital stay.
'I usually undergo health screening twice every year. Because of work pressure, I could not complete my check-up over the last eight months. I stayed at the hospital and underwent all the required tests,' Sengottaiyan said. He added that doctors informed him the results were satisfactory.
The Family-Hospital Connection
Addressing the specific criticism over choosing a private facility, Sengottaiyan disclosed that the hospital is run by his relatives and that he has received care there for years. He noted that treatment at the facility costs him nothing, which he cited as a practical reason for the choice.
'This is a hospital run by my relatives, and I have always received treatment there. Since I get treatment and facilities there free of cost, I did not feel the need to go elsewhere. This has been my usual practice for years,' he said.
The Government's Position and the Contradiction
The episode surfaces a tension within the ruling TVK administration. Minister Arunraj had earlier publicly stated that TVK ministers would rely on government hospitals for medical treatment — a position that Sengottaiyan's private hospital visit appeared to contradict. Sengottaiyan did not directly address that earlier pledge but framed his visit as a long-standing personal arrangement rather than a policy departure.
Other Issues Addressed
The Minister also fielded questions on the Coimbatore girl murder case, saying legal proceedings were progressing. On welfare schemes, he said decisions would be taken by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay based on the government's prevailing financial position. Following the media interaction, Sengottaiyan said he was travelling to Chennai to resume official duties.
Point of View
That sends a signal about their actual confidence in it. Sengottaiyan's candour about the family connection is notable, but candour does not resolve the contradiction.
NationPress
15 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Tamil Nadu Revenue Minister Sengottaiyan visit a private hospital?
Sengottaiyan said the visit was a routine health screening, not treatment for any serious illness. He explained that an eight-month backlog of missed check-ups — caused by official commitments — prompted him to complete all pending tests in a single hospital stay.
Which hospital did Sengottaiyan visit and why did he choose it?
The minister did not name the hospital publicly but disclosed that it is run by his relatives and that he has received care there for years at no personal cost. He said this long-standing arrangement was the primary reason for choosing the private facility.
Does the TVK government require ministers to use government hospitals?
TVK minister Arunraj had earlier stated that TVK ministers would rely on government hospitals for medical treatment. Sengottaiyan's private hospital visit appeared to contradict that position, though he framed his visit as a pre-existing personal arrangement rather than a policy breach.
What did Sengottaiyan say about the Coimbatore girl murder case?
The minister said legal proceedings in the case were progressing. He did not provide specific details but indicated that the process was moving forward through the appropriate legal channels.
Who will decide on future welfare schemes in Tamil Nadu?
Sengottaiyan said decisions on new welfare schemes would ultimately be taken by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, depending on the government's financial situation at the time.
