The Minister for Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare, K.G. Arunraj, said on May 24, 2026 (Sunday), a high-level medical team was inquiring into the death of a nursing college student in Tiruchi and that the committee’s report was expected within two days.

The Minister told reporters in Tiruchengode the student’s body was handed over to the parents after post-mortem examination and the final rites had been performed.

The Minister visited the bereaved family and handed over an order for a free house-site patta. The student’s sister was also provided with a government order for contractual employment.

Expressing condolences to the family, Mr. Arunraj said the government would stand by them. “The inquiry will be conducted in a transparent manner. If any lapse is found, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has directed officials to take stringent action,” he said.

Referring to the Cauvery – Ponniyar - Thirumanimutharu linking project, the Minister said a consultation meeting was held with farmers, members of the public and officials under the chairmanship of Namakkal Collector Durga Moorthy in the presence of Namakkal MP V.S. Matheswaran.

He said possible alignments for the project were discussed and the feasibility of linking it through the existing Mettur surplus water scheme was also examined. However, concerns were raised that the present arrangement would result in reduced inflow into water bodies.

According to him, members of the public have urged the government to formulate a new scheme to draw water directly from the Cauvery river to Mangalam Lake so that all water bodies could fully benefit. Officials had been asked to prepare a fresh proposal, and further discussions will be held with the Water Resources Department Minister after the report is submitted.

The Minister also launched the “Namma Tiruchengode, Namma MLA” mobile application through which the public could directly submit grievances to the MLA. The application would also facilitate live streaming of the temple car festival.

Answering a question on the shortage of doctors and staff during night hours in government hospitals, he said the Chief Minister had directed that quality healthcare services be ensured for all, particularly maternity services. He said centres such as CEmONC facilities should function round the clock. Any shortcomings in the system would be identified and rectified, he added.