Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has launched Nalam TN, a statewide AI-powered digital health platform that enables patients to register for outpatient (OP) consultations through WhatsApp, book appointments online and support government hospitals through a transparent digital donation system. The initiative aims to improve patient convenience while accelerating the state’s digital healthcare transformation.

The platform allows patients to register for outpatient consultations by sending “Hi” to the AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot on 96192 22999, eliminating the need to stand in long registration queues at government hospitals. Citizens can also access the service through the Nalam TN portal, which offers online appointment booking and digital health services.

Currently being implemented on a pilot basis across 22 districts, including Chennai and Chengalpattu, the government plans to expand the platform across Tamil Nadu based on its performance and user adoption.

Alongside the digital initiative, the Chief Minister inaugurated healthcare infrastructure and medical equipment worth ₹139.47 crore, including new patient wards, hospital buildings and advanced diagnostic facilities across the state. The government also announced the appointment of more than 2,100 healthcare professionals, aimed at strengthening service delivery and addressing workforce requirements in public health institutions.

The initiative aligns with India’s broader push towards digital healthcare through the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), which promotes interoperable digital health records, online healthcare services and patient centric care delivery. Healthcare experts believe AI-enabled outpatient registration can significantly reduce waiting times, improve hospital workflow and enhance patient experience, particularly in high volume government hospitals.

With Nalam TN, Tamil Nadu aims to integrate artificial intelligence, digital health services and healthcare infrastructure into a unified ecosystem, improving accessibility, operational efficiency and the quality of public healthcare across the state.