TN Budget 2025 Highlights: Rs 21,906 Crore for Health, Focus on HPV Vaccination for Girls

Chennai: Aiming to enhance healthcare accessibility and infrastructure, the Tamil Nadu government has allocated Rs 21,906 crore to the Health and Family Welfare Department in the state’s Budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, reflecting an 8.4% increase from the previous year. The budget places a strong focus on cancer care, non-communicable diseases, and emergency medical services. 

Presented by Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu in the Assembly, this budget serves as a comprehensive exercise ahead of the upcoming state elections. It includes significant allocations for the DMK government's flagship welfare schemes. 

The Chief Minister M.K. Stalin-led administration has emphasized strengthening medical infrastructure and expanding critical treatment facilities to improve public healthcare services.

Some of the key highlights promised in the budget are as follows:

Cancer Care Initiatives

The government plans to upgrade Arignar Anna Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Institute in Karapettai, Kancheepuram district, into an 800-bed state-level nodal cancer center. The facility will offer world-class cancer diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care services, with Rs 120 crore allocated over the next two years for this purpose.

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"Tamil Nadu is among the states with the highest incidence of cancer in the country. To ensure quality cancer treatment and appropriate care services for all, the government of Tamil Nadu remains committed to strengthening cancer care," said Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu during the budget presentation.  

To facilitate early diagnosis, Rs 110 crore will be invested over the next three years to enhance medical equipment and manpower in secondary and medical college hospitals. Rs 36 crore has been allocated to provide free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines to 14-year-old girls, aiming to prevent cervical cancer.

TOI has reported that the incidence of cancer is higher among women than men, with estimates showing 51,753 cases in women and 44,733 in men for 2024. Top cancers among women include breast (26.3%), cervix (15.3%), ovary (5.5%), corpus uteri (3.9%), and mouth (3.0%). 

Further, a sum of Rs 40 crore has been allocated to expand healthcare access through mobile medical teams. These teams, working in collaboration with NGOs, will provide screenings for major cancers and heart diseases, along with lifestyle counseling.

National Health Mission: Rs 2,754 crore has been earmarked to enhance healthcare services across the state under this mission.

Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme: An allocation of Rs 1,092 crore aims to support maternal health and reduce maternal mortality rates.

Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme: Rs 1,461 crore has been designated to provide financial protection for families against high medical expenses.

Ambulance Services: Rs 348 crore has been allocated to improve emergency medical transportation services.

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): The government has launched door-to-door screening programs to detect non-communicable diseases, a move that has earned Tamil Nadu a United Nations award.