Chennai, May 26:
State Minister for Health and Family Welfare K G Arunraj on Monday said the Tamil Nadu government has stepped up monitoring of the ongoing West Asia conflict and its potential impact on global medicine supply chains, while initiating contingency measures to ensure uninterrupted drug availability across government hospitals.
After inspecting the Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation’s district drug warehouse in Anna Nagar, the minister said a comprehensive review of emergency preparedness had been carried out. This included assessing stock availability, storage infrastructure and supply-chain mechanisms serving government medical institutions statewide.
“We have discussed strategies to handle any possible shortage of medicines arising from the West Asia crisis. Systems are being strengthened to guarantee seamless supply to government hospitals,” Arunraj told reporters.
He noted that medicines distributed to government medical colleges, district hospitals, primary health centres and Mudhalvar Marundhagams are now being tracked through an expanding digital inventory system. This system enables real-time monitoring of stock levels across all tiers, helping authorities respond swiftly to any emerging gaps.
The minister added that infrastructure at storage facilities is being upgraded, with additional warehouse capacity under development to reinforce logistics and distribution networks.
Addressing the Tiruchy nursing student death case, Arunraj said the inquiry committee constituted on the directions of Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay had completed its probe in a transparent and independent manner. “There was absolutely no pressure on the panel. We asked them only to present facts. Action will certainly follow if any wrongdoing is found,” he said.
On criticism from the Opposition regarding law and order, the minister asserted that police are now functioning without political interference. He alleged that excessive intervention in previous regimes had weakened policing and contributed to rising crime.
“Drug abuse has been a key factor behind several criminal incidents. The government is taking firm action to curb narcotics circulation while ensuring police independence,” he added.
Meanwhile, Health Secretary Darez Ahamed said government hospitals have set up special wards as a precaution against potential Ebola virus transmission. Screening measures have also been initiated at Chennai airport in line with guidelines issued by the Union Health Ministry.