Tamil Nadu’s health system stronger after COVID-19: IIT Madras study
Tamil Nadu: A significant study on Tamil Nadu’s healthcare infrastructure has revealed that the state’s emergency healthcare system has significantly strengthened after the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also found a clear improvement in maternal and child health indicators.
The study was conducted by IIT Madras, where a team reviewed Tamil Nadu’s healthcare services after the pandemic. The team was led by retired IPS officer Kandasamy and included an associate researcher from Bengaluru-based Moody’s Analytics.
The study analyzed eight years of data from the state’s flagship 108 ambulance service, from 2017 to 2024. The objective of the analysis was to understand how the efficiency of healthcare services and the emergency response system changed after the pandemic.
According to the report, Tamil Nadu’s healthcare system recovered rapidly from the disruptions faced during the pandemic and its efficiency improved. The study stated that both the reach and effectiveness of emergency healthcare services increased.
Among the most significant findings is a 19 percent reduction in maternal mortality. Furthermore, home deliveries have declined by over 36 percent, indicating an improvement in institutional deliveries.
The study also found a 28 percent reduction in miscarriage cases, a 17 percent decline in neonatal mortality and a 19 percent decline in infant mortality.
Based on these data, it is concluded that maternal and child health services in the state have steadily improved, and the health system has become more effective than before.
Experts believe that a strong emergency network, such as the 108 ambulance service, and the proactiveness of the health department have played a key role in this improvement. The study also indicates that the positive impact of the post-pandemic reforms has been seen in both rural and urban areas.
According to the report, Tamil Nadu’s health system is now more prepared and responsive than before, providing timely medical assistance in emergencies.
This study is being considered an important indicator for the state’s health policy, as it shows that with proper planning and systemic reforms, major changes in public health indicators are possible.
