Chennai, August 5(BPNS)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin launched ‘Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam’, the DMK government’s flagship programme in Samanapalli village in Krishnagiri district.
The programme which is to deliver health care at the doorsteps of the people of Tamil Nadu was the DMK ’s major promise to the people of the state during the run-up to the assembly elections.
Chief Minister while launching the programme at Krishnagiri district said that the scheme would change the mode of preliminary health care delivery at their own homes.
Stalin declared the scheme open in seven other districts along with Krishnagiri district in the presence of state health minister, Ma Subramanian.
The scheme will screen those above 45 years of age and others with infirmities through door to door checkups. Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam will also detect non-communicable diseases that may lead to sudden mortalities and impact the quality of life.
Chief Minister Stalin said that the scheme would depend on women public health workers, women health volunteers( WHV), physiotherapists and nurses who will provide health care at the doorsteps.
Stalin said that Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam is was also part of the 7 point vision of his government that envisioned an enhanced quality of life for all. He said,” Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam will ring in a healthcare delivery wherein people need not come to hospitals but have access to medicine and screening at their doorsteps.”
The scheme was simultaneously launched in Thanjavur, Tirunelveli, Madurai, Tiruchi, Coimbatore, Chennai and Salem with a cumulative allocation of 258 crores and targeted coverage of 1 crore population and 30 lakh families.
Tamil Nadu health minister, Ma Subramanian while speaking to BPNS said, “This is a major scheme of the DMK government and Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin. 1264 health workers,50 physiotherapists and 50 nurses have been appointed to implement the Makkal Thedi Maruthuvam scheme in the 7 districts where it was launched.”
The minister also said that by the year-end the government is planning to implement the scheme across the state and an estimated 25,000 health care workers would be inducted.
Stalin said that through the scheme, high blood pressure and diabetes which go largely undetected in the villages will be screened and monthly medicine will be provided at their doorsteps.
The scheme also include screening of kidney ailments and congenital defects in children and will be followed up through hospital treatment. The Chief Minister also said that portable dialysis machine will be pressed into service and provide treatment to those with kidney ailments.
