Thanjavur Medical College Hospital: OPD, Appointments, and Costs

Thanjavur Medical College Hospital, located on Medical College Road in Thanjavur, is a major state government-run tertiary care institution in Tamil Nadu. Established as a teaching hospital, it serves as a critical referral centre for Thanjavur and several surrounding districts, including Ariyalur, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, and Perambalur.

With a large capacity estimated between 1,990 and 3,000 beds, the hospital manages a significant patient load, with its Outpatient Department (OPD) seeing approximately 1,41,649 patients monthly. The institution provides a wide range of medical and surgical services across numerous specialties and super-specialties. This guide provides information on how to access services at the hospital, including booking appointments, understanding costs, and availing financial assistance through government schemes.

Consultation and Registration Fees

As a government-run hospital in Tamil Nadu, services are typically provided free of charge or at a highly subsidised rate for residents. A 2019 report indicated that government hospitals in the state are exempt from registration fees. However, it is advisable to confirm the current policy at the registration counter upon arrival.

• Outpatient (OPD) Registration Fee — Not officially published

Rates shown are as per the Thanjavur District Official Website and other sources (2024) and are subject to periodic revision. Always verify the latest approved rates on the official source.

How to Get an Appointment

Thanjavur Medical College Hospital primarily serves patients through walk-in registration. However, the Tamil Nadu government has been introducing digital methods to streamline the appointment process in its hospitals. Patients seeking a consultation can use one of the following methods:

**1. Walk-in Registration:** The traditional method involves visiting the hospital and registering in person at the respective OPD counter. Given the high patient volume, it is recommended to arrive early in the day to complete the registration process.

**2. WhatsApp Booking (NalamAI):** The state government has launched a WhatsApp-based service called "NalamAI" for booking appointments. Patients can send "Hi" to the WhatsApp number 96192 22999 to initiate the registration and booking process. This service is being rolled out across various districts, including Thanjavur.

**3. Online Portal:** An online registration portal has also been introduced for government hospitals in the state. This system allows patients to register using a QR code and receive a token number for their appointment.

It is important to note that while these digital systems have been launched, their full integration and availability specifically for Thanjavur Medical College Hospital are not explicitly confirmed in official publications. For urgent needs or first-time visits, the walk-in method remains a reliable option. You can call the hospital's general inquiry number at 04362-240822 for more information.

How Long It Takes to Get Seen

Thanjavur Medical College Hospital is a high-volume facility, serving as a primary referral hospital for a large population. The Outpatient Department (OPD) handles over 1.4 lakh patients every month, which can lead to considerable wait times.

The official OPD registration and consultation timings are not published on the hospital's website. For walk-in patients, arriving early in the morning is advisable to secure a spot in the queue. Patients who use the new digital booking systems may receive a specific time slot or token number, which could help manage wait times. However, delays can still occur depending on the number of patients and the availability of doctors in a specific department. Emergency and casualty services are available 24 hours a day.

What Treatment Costs and Financial Help

As a state government institution, Thanjavur Medical College Hospital offers services that are either free or heavily subsidised for all patients. For eligible individuals and families, treatment costs can be further covered by government health insurance schemes.

The hospital is empanelled to accept the following major schemes:

**Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY):** This central government scheme provides health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation. Eligible families can receive cashless treatment at empanelled public and private hospitals.

**Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS):** This is the flagship health insurance scheme of the Tamil Nadu government. It provides cashless healthcare to eligible families through a network of hospitals, covering a wide range of diseases and procedures.

• Patients intending to use these schemes should carry their scheme card (e.g., PM-JAY card or CMCHIS card) and a valid government-issued photo ID.
• A dedicated desk or coordinator for these schemes is usually available at the hospital to assist with the pre-authorisation and claims process.

Key Departments

Thanjavur Medical College Hospital offers comprehensive medical care through a wide array of clinical departments. These include both general specialties and advanced super-specialty units.

**General Specialties:**

The hospital has well-established departments for General Medicine, General Surgery, Dermatology, ENT (Otorhinolaryngology), Dentistry, and Community Medicine.

**Super-Specialty Departments:**

Advanced care is available through departments such as Cardiology, Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Neurology, Neuro Surgery, Nephrology, Urology, Medical Gastroenterology, Surgical Gastroenterology, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, and Thoracic Medicine.

**Affiliated Departments:**

Certain departments, including Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Paediatrics, are managed at the affiliated Government Raja Mirasdar Hospital, which is also located in Thanjavur.

**Support Services:**

The hospital is supported by a Blood Bank, Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Forensic Medicine departments, along with extensive laboratory facilities.

More government hospitals in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry

OPD appointment guides for other government hospitals in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry:

• Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Chennai: OPD Registration & Costs
• JIPMER Puducherry: A Guide to OPD Appointments, Registration, and Costs
• Indira Gandhi Government General Hospital & Post Graduate Institute, Puducherry: An OPD and Cost Guide
• Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital, Chennai: Appointment & Cost Guide
• Government Stanley Medical College Hospital, Chennai: Appointment and OPD Guide
• Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai: Appointment and OPD Guide
• All government hospital OPD guides in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Thanjavur Medical College Hospital a government or private hospital?

Thanjavur Medical College Hospital is a state government-run institution, providing medical services that are generally free or highly subsidised for the public.

How can I book an appointment online at the hospital?

The Tamil Nadu government has introduced new digital methods, including a WhatsApp service called 'NalamAI' (number 96192 22999) and a web portal for QR code-based registration. However, you may also need to rely on traditional walk-in registration.

What are the OPD consultation fees?

The hospital's official pages do not publish a fee schedule. As a government hospital in Tamil Nadu, OPD registration and consultation are expected to be free or available at a very nominal cost. Confirm the current amount at the registration counter.

Which government health insurance schemes are accepted here?

The hospital accepts major government schemes, including the national Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and the state's Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS).

Does the hospital have a Gynaecology department?

Yes, services for Obstetrics & Gynaecology, as well as Paediatrics, are provided at the Government Raja Mirasdar Hospital, which is affiliated with Thanjavur Medical College.

What are the hospital's OPD timings?

Specific OPD timings are not officially listed. For walk-in registration, it is advisable to arrive early in the morning. Emergency services are available 24/7.

Related

• How to find an Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) hospital near you
• Government health schemes in India: a guide
• Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY eligibility check
• A guide to common health conditions

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.