DMK MLA Manoj Pandian Questions TNMSC Role in Procuring Gold Rings in Assembly

DMK MLA P H Manoj Pandian raised questions in the Tamil Nadu Assembly in Chennai on Friday regarding the Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation's (TNMSC) role in procuring gold rings for newborns under the Thaimaman Thanga Modhiram scheme.

Participating in the Assembly discussion, Pandian questioned whether the medical services corporation possessed the mandate or expertise to scrutinise tender bids for gold. He stated that the procurement should have been managed by the social welfare department instead.

Pandian pointed out that gold could not be classified under the medical equipment category, arguing that the administration had treated gold as equipment to enable TNMSC to carry out the procurement process.

Responding to the remarks, Health Minister K G Arunraj said the initiative was aimed at reducing out-of-pocket expenditure during childbirth and encouraging more people to opt for deliveries in government hospitals. He explained that the government wanted to present the gold rings to beneficiaries at the time of discharge, adding that the matter had been discussed with officials to ensure smooth execution.

Pandian objected to the minister's explanation and cited TNMSC's procurement rules, highlighting that the corporation's stated mandate was limited to procuring medicines and drugs.

Arunraj stated in response that the MLA was viewing the issue from a purely technical standpoint and noted that the corporation's rules could be amended if required.