Tirunelveli, often called the Oxford of South India for its educational institutions and Nellai Seemai for its cultural richness, is also an important medical hub in southern Tamil Nadu. With a population of 29.3 lakh (2021 Census estimate), it serves not just the district but also patients from Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, and Kanyakumari who travel here for advanced treatment.
Healthcare in Tirunelveli is undergoing rapid expansion, especially with the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). Under this scheme, eligible families get ₹5 lakh per year per family of free health coverage in empanelled government and private hospitals. For people in Tirunelveli, this means access to free heart surgeries, cancer care, dialysis, maternity services, and much more, without financial burden.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
- The role of Tirunelveli as a healthcare hub
- Major medical conditions treated under PMJAY here
- Statistics on health issues relevant to the region
- A detailed list of PMJAY hospitals in Tirunelveli (to be inserted)
- FAQs for patients seeking treatment in Tirunelveli
Tirunelveli as a Healthcare Hub
Tirunelveli is known for large multi-specialty hospitals, tertiary care centers, and super-specialty facilities. Its connectivity via NH-44 and railways makes it a referral point for nearby districts.
Key highlights:
- Government Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital (TVMCH) is one of the largest in southern Tamil Nadu, providing cardiac care, oncology, orthopaedics, and trauma care.
- Private hospitals like Annai Velankanni, Ramakrishna, and Arokya are empanelled under PMJAY, covering advanced treatments.
- Specialties such as dialysis centres, cancer care units, and maternity hospitals are widely available.
Major Health Concerns in Tirunelveli District
According to the Tamil Nadu Health Department and NFHS-5 (2019-21) data, Tirunelveli faces several critical health challenges:
| Health Concern | District Insight | Why PMJAY Coverage Matters |
| Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) | Rising cases due to sedentary lifestyle and diabetes prevalence (NFHS-5 shows 12% diabetes prevalence in Tirunelveli adults). | PMJAY covers angioplasty, bypass surgery, and heart medications. |
| Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) | High incidence linked with hypertension and diabetes. Many patients depend on dialysis. | PMJAY provides free dialysis and kidney transplant support. |
| Cancer | Breast and cervical cancers are common among women, while oral cancer is prevalent due to tobacco chewing. | Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery are covered under PMJAY. |
| Maternal & Child Health | Infant Mortality Rate in Tamil Nadu is 15 per 1000 births, and Tirunelveli contributes to rural deliveries. | PMJAY covers normal and C-section deliveries, neonatal care, and infertility treatment. |
| Road Accidents & Trauma | NH-44 runs through Tirunelveli, making road trauma cases frequent. | Free emergency trauma and orthopaedic surgeries under PMJAY. |
What Treatments are Covered under PMJAY in Tirunelveli?
PMJAY coverage in Tirunelveli spans 25+ specialties. Here are the most sought-after:
1. Cardiology & Heart Surgeries
- Angioplasty, valve replacement, bypass surgery
- Heart failure management
- Cardiac emergencies
2. Oncology (Cancer Treatment)
- Chemotherapy & radiotherapy
- Surgical oncology (breast, cervical, lung, oral cancers)
- Palliative care
3. Nephrology & Dialysis
- Regular dialysis sessions at empanelled centres
- Kidney transplant (with follow-up care)
4. Orthopaedics & Trauma
- Joint replacement (hip, knee)
- Fracture treatment
- Spine surgeries
5. Maternity & Fertility
- Normal delivery & caesarean section
- Neonatal ICU care
- Infertility treatments
PMJAY Hospital Network in Tirunelveli
Tirunelveli has a mix of government and private hospitals under PMJAY. The Government Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital is the anchor institution, while private hospitals like Annai Velankanni Multi Speciality Hospital, Ramakrishna Hospitals, and Arokya Hospital provide advanced facilities.
| Hospital Name | Type / Speciality | Address | Contact |
| Govt. Upgraded PHC, Melapalayam | PHC | Melapalayam, Tirunelveli, TN | NA |
| Govt. Upgraded PHC, Thachanallur | PHC | Thachanallur, Tirunelveli, TN | NA |
| Govt. Upgraded PHC | PHC | Tirunelveli, TN | NA |
| Govt. Upgraded PHC, Reddiyarpatti | PHC | Reddiyarpatti, Tirunelveli, TN | NA |
| Govt. Upgraded PHC, Vairavikulam | PHC | Vairavikulam, Tirunelveli, TN | NA |
| GUPHC, Kalakkad | PHC | Thirukurugudi, Tirunelveli, TN | NA |
| GUPHC, Manur | PHC | Ukkirankottai, Tirunelveli, TN | NA |
| GUPHC, Nanguneri | PHC | Munanjipatti, Tirunelveli, TN | NA |
| GUPHC, Pappakudi | PHC | Mukkudal, Tirunelveli, TN | NA |
| GUPHC, Radhapuram | PHC | Thisaiyanvillai, Tirunelveli, TN | NA |
| GUPHC, Alangulam | PHC | Nettur, Tenkasi, TN | NA |
| GUPHC, Sankarankoil | PHC | Kadayam, Tenkasi, TN | NA |
| GUPHC, Keezhapavur | PHC | Pavoorchatram, Tenkasi, TN | NA |
| GUPHC, Sankarankoil | PHC | Kuruvikulam, Tenkasi, TN | NA |
| GUPHC, Melaneelithanallur | PHC | Sendamaram, Tenkasi, TN | NA |
| GUPHC, Shenkottai | PHC | Elathur, Tenkasi, TN | NA |
| GUPHC, Karivalamvanthanallur | PHC | Tenkasi, TN | NA |
| GUPHC, Sankarankoil | PHC | Vasudevanallur, Tenkasi, TN | NA |
| GUPHC, Shenkottai | PHC | Vadakaraikilpidagai, Tenkasi, TN | NA |
| District Govt. Head Quarters Hospital | District Hospital | Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, TN | 7373052305 / e.sainalen@gmail.com |
| Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital | Medical College | Tirunelveli, TN | 7708002585 / cmchis@tvmc.ac.in |
| Govt. Hospital, Ambasamudiram | General Hospital | Ambasamudiram, Tirunelveli, TN | 8344427900 / ghambainodalofficer@gmail.com |
| Govt. Hospital, Sankarankoil | General Hospital | Sankarankoil, Tirunelveli, TN | 7402688327 / governmenthospitalsnkl@gmail.com |
| Govt. Hospital, Nanguneri | General Hospital | Nanguneri, Tirunelveli, TN | 8754293958 / ghnangunerinew@gmail.com |
| Govt. Hospital, Vallioor | General Hospital | Vallioor, Tirunelveli, TN | 9442452858 / ghvallioor@gmail.com |
| Govt. Hospital, Radhapuram | General Hospital | Radhapuram, Tirunelveli, TN | 9994926213 / radhapuramgh@gmail.com |
| Govt. Hospital, Auikudi | General Hospital | Auikudi, Tirunelveli, TN | 7373052119 / subramani.vidal@gmail.com |
| Govt. Hospital, Alangulam | General Hospital | Alangulam, Tirunelveli, TN | 9445268348 / moghalangulam@gmail.com |
| Govt. Hospital, Sengkottai | General Hospital | Sengkottai, Tirunelveli, TN | 7373052119 / subramani.vidal@gmail.com |
| Govt. Hospital, Puliangudi | General Hospital | Puliangudi, Tirunelveli, TN | 8940688563 / ghpuliangudi@gmail.com |
| Govt. Hospital, Koodankulam | General Hospital | Koodankulam, Tirunelveli, TN | 9894231856 / koodankulamgovernmenthospital@yahoo.com |
| Govt. Hospital, Kalakad | General Hospital | Kalakad, Tirunelveli, TN | 9894469744 / fmghkalakad@gmail.com |
| Govt. Hospital, Cheranmahadevi | General Hospital | Cheranmahadevi, Tirunelveli, TN | 9443438885 / ghcherai@gmail.com |
| Govt. Hospital, Melapalayam | General Hospital | Melapalayam, Tirunelveli, TN | 9894094662 / medicalofficermpm@gmail.com |
| Govt. Hospital, Kadayanallur | General Hospital | Kadayanallur, Tirunelveli, TN | 7373052316 / moghkadayanallur@gmail.com |
| Govt. Hospital, Veerakeralampudur | General Hospital | Veerakeralampudur, Tirunelveli, TN | 7373052118 / vkpudurgh@gmail.com |
| Govt. Hospital, Sivagiri | General Hospital | Sivagiri, Tirunelveli, TN | 7373004335 / jeyalakshmi49@gmail.com |
| Tirunelveli MC DEIC | Medical College (DEIC) | Tirunelveli, TN | 9898989898 / udayaprakash.r@vidalhealthtpa.com |
| Govt. DDWO, Tirunelveli | Govt. Dept. | Tirunelveli, TN | 9898989898 / udayaprakash.r@vidalhealthtpa.com |
| Govt. Hospital, Kadayanallur (OG) | General Hospital | Kadayanallur, Tirunelveli DC | 9842240820 / asaithambi.n@vidalhealthtpa.com |
| Santhi Hospital | Private | Tenkasi, TN | NA |
| Meeran Hospital | Private | Tenkasi, TN | NA |
| Royal Hospital | Private | Tirunelveli, TN | NA |
| Shifa Health Care | Private | Tirunelveli, TN | 8870861104 / shifahealthcare1971@gmail.com |
| VJ Hospital | Private | Tirunelveli, TN | 6380645890 / vjhospital21@gmail.com |
| Dr. Velan Multispeciality Hospital | Private Multispeciality | Tirunelveli, TN | 9578711577 / drvelanhospital1995@gmail.com |
| Shifa Hospitals | Private | Tirunelveli, TN | 9345833444 / shifahospitals2004@yahoo.com |
| Sri Sakthi Hospital | Private | Tirunelveli, TN | NA |
| Govt Hospital, Ambasamudiram | Tirunelveli | 8344427900 | ghamabainodalofficer@gmail.com |
| Govt Hospital (GUPHC, Chockampatti) | Kadayanallur, Tenkasi | NA | NA |
| Govt Hospital, Sankarankoil | Tirunelveli | 7402688327 | governmenthospitalsnkl@gmail.com |
| Govt Hospital, Nanguneri | Tirunelveli | 8754293958 | ghnangunerinew@gmail.com |
| Govt Hospital, Vallioor | Tirunelveli | 9442452858 | ghvallioor@gmail.com |
| Govt Hospital, Radhapuram | Tirunelveli | 9994926213 | radhapuramgh@gmail.com |
| Govt Hospital, Avudaiyarkoil (Auikudi) | Tirunelveli | 7373052119 | subramani.vidal@gmail.com |
| Govt Hospital, Alangulam | Tirunelveli | 9445268348 | moghalangulam@gmail.com |
| Govt Hospital, Sengkottai | Tirunelveli | 7373052119 | subramani.vidal@gmail.com |
| Govt Hospital, Puliangudi | Tirunelveli | 8940688563 | ghpuliangudi@gmail.com |
| Govt Hospital, Koodankulam | Tirunelveli | 9894231856 | koodankulamgovernmenthospital@yahoo.com |
| Govt Hospital, Kalakad | Tirunelveli | 9894469744 | fmghkalakad@gmail.com |
| Govt Hospital, Cheranmahadevi | Tirunelveli | 9443438885 | ghcherai@gmail.com |
| Govt Hospital, Melapalayam | Tirunelveli | 9894094662 | medicalofficermpm@gmail.com |
| Govt Hospital, Kadayanallur | Tirunelveli | 7373052316 | moghkadayanallur@gmail.com |
| Govt Hospital, Veerakeralampudur | Tirunelveli | 7373052118 | vkpudurgh@gmail.com |
| Govt Hospital, Sivagiri | Tirunelveli | 7373004335 | jeyalakshmi49@gmail.com |
| Tirunelveli MC DEIC | Tirunelveli | 9898989898 | udayaprakash.r@vidalhealthtpa.com |
| Govt DDWO | Tirunelveli | 9898989898 | udayaprakash.r@vidalhealthtpa.com |
| Govt Hospital, Kadayanallur (OG) | Tirunelveli DC | 9842240820 | asaithambi.n@vidalhealthtpa.com |
Why PMJAY is Transformative for Tirunelveli
- Financial protection: Families save up to ₹5 lakh annually.
- Accessibility: People in villages like Alangulam, Nanguneri, Valliyoor, and Ambasamudram can access tertiary care in Tirunelveli city.
- Specialised care close to home: No need to travel to Chennai for advanced heart or cancer treatment.
Conclusion
Tirunelveli has established itself as a vital healthcare destination for southern Tamil Nadu. With over 120 PMJAY-approved hospitals, patients now have access to world-class treatment for free, ranging from cancer care and heart surgeries to maternity and trauma care. For the people of Nellai and surrounding districts, this scheme ensures that healthcare is no longer a privilege, but a right.
FAQs – PMJAY Hospitals in Tirunelveli
1. How many hospitals in Tirunelveli are covered under PMJAY?
There are over 75 empanelled hospitals in the district, including both government and private facilities.
2. Is Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital covered under PMJAY?
Yes, TVMCH is empanelled and offers a wide range of free treatments.
3. Which diseases are treated under PMJAY in Tirunelveli?
PMJAY covers cancer, heart disease, kidney disease, orthopaedic issues, maternity care, accidents, and more.
4. Can I get dialysis for free in Tirunelveli under PMJAY?
Yes, dialysis is covered at multiple government and private centres in the district.
5. Are private hospitals like Annai Velankanni covered under PMJAY?
Yes, several leading private hospitals in Tirunelveli are empanelled.
6. Do I need a CMCHIS card to use PMJAY in Tirunelveli?
In Tamil Nadu, PMJAY is integrated with CMCHIS, so your CMCHIS card works for PMJAY benefits.
7. Is cancer treatment completely free under PMJAY in Tirunelveli?
Yes, including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy.
8. Can patients from nearby districts use Tirunelveli PMJAY hospitals?
Yes, patients from Thoothukudi, Tenkasi, and Kanyakumari often come here.
9. How to check if a hospital in Tirunelveli is PMJAY-approved?
You can search on the Ayushman Bharat portal or check with the District Health Society.
10. Are all types of surgeries free under PMJAY in Tirunelveli?
Most essential surgeries are covered, but cosmetic or non-medical procedures are excluded.
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