Tamil Nadu government has paid Rs 484 crore to Hospitals for performing surgeries under the 'Kalaingar Health Insurance Scheme'.

Disclosing this on the occasion of the first anniversary of the scheme here last night,State Health Minister M.R.K.

Panneerselvam said it had benefitted 1.8 lakh people.

The smart card under the scheme had been disbursed to 1.3 crore people.The Government had allocated Rs.1000-crore for construction of additional buildings and renovation of Hospitals.Besides Rs.600-crore had been allocated for purchase of equipment.