CM Joseph Vijay Launches Nalam TN Digital Platform and AI Chatbot in Chennai
On Tuesday, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay launched the 'Nalam TN' integrated digital platform and an AI WhatsApp chatbot to facilitate remote outpatient (OP) registration at government medical facilities. Speaking at an event organized by the State Health and Family Welfare Department at the Presidency College Auditorium in Chennai, the Chief Minister also inaugurated healthcare infrastructure worth Rs 139.47 crore and handed over appointment orders to 2,144 newly recruited healthcare professionals.
The newly launched digital platform, accessible at www.nalam.tn.gov.in, is currently live on a pilot basis across 22 districts, including Chennai and Chengalpattu. To use the service, patients can text "Hi" to the AI WhatsApp chatbot at 9619222999. This system allows individuals to book OP appointments remotely and skip physical registration queues at government hospitals.
In addition to booking appointments, the Nalam TN platform operates as a Section 8 non-profit company. It allows members of the public and corporate entities to make transparent donations or sponsor medical equipment directly to specific government hospitals to improve local healthcare facilities.
The event also marked a significant expansion of the state's medical services. The Rs 139.47 crore infrastructure package focuses on expanding patient wards and diagnostic equipment. During the ceremony, Chief Minister Vijay distributed appointment orders to 2,144 healthcare professionals, which included 751 assistant medical officers and 1,393 health inspectors.
In a gesture during the event, the Chief Minister walked down from the stage to personally present an appointment order to a differently-abled doctor. He also signed autographs and took selfies with several doctors in attendance.
Following the launch, Health Minister K G Arunraj told reporters that these medical appointments had been pending for a long time. He stated that Chief Minister Vijay cleared the file to sanction the appointments, fulfilling a prior electoral promise.
