Under Tamil Nadu’s Cancer Management Mission, 1,929 of the 79.17 lakh persons screened were diagnosed with cancer and are currently undergoing appropriate treatment. They were identified through cancer awareness and screening camps conducted in 23 districts so far.
According to the interim budget for 2026-2027 presented on Tuesday, early detection through such screening enables timely intervention and improved chances of cure and recovery. It was during the 2024-2025 budget that the State government announced the roll out of the mission. It was aimed at strengthening cancer care, prevention of preventable cancer, strengthening screening and early diagnosis for common cancers, strengthening diagnostics, delivering high-quality treatment, and improving quality of life of patients.
In another initiative aimed at cancer prevention, the State government recently launched administration of HPV vaccination for girls aged below 14 years in government and government-aided schools for prevention of cervical cancer. In addition, works are underway to upgrade the Arignar Anna Memorial Cancer Hospital in Kancheepyram into a Centre of Excellence at a cost of ₹398 crore.
The budget document also noted that 2.55 crore beneficiaries have received primary services, while over 4.75 crore persons have availed follow-up services under “Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam”. Under “Innuyir Kappom-Nammai Kaakkum 48”, 5,11,916 persons have been saved. An expenditure of ₹493 crore was incurred to date. Insurance approvals amounting to ₹6,374 crore have been granted so far under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme, and 87,34,363 claims were settled.
Similarly, under Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme, financial assistance to the tune of ₹4,042 crore was disbursed to 34,40,550 women over the past five years. In the interim budget estimates, the Health and Family Welfare Department was allocated ₹22,090 crore.
Published – February 17, 2026 08:07 pm IST
