Chennai: In a new initiative aimed at taking the medical and healthcare services to the people's doorsteps for the first time in India, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Thursday launched ‘Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam’ scheme at Samanapalli in Krishnagiri district.
Through this initiative, the government will not only provide the required medications at the doorsteps of people, but also take medical services to their homes.
Talking to reporters after launching the scheme, Mr Stalin said that scheme will be implemented across Tamilnadu by the end of this year.
The scheme was simultaneously launched in seven districts--Thanjavur, Tiruchi, Tirunelveli, Coimbatore, Chennai, Salem and Madurai--with a cumulative allocation of Rs 258 crore and a targeted coverage of about 30 lakh families and one crore population.
About 1,264 women health workers, 50 physiotherapists and 50 nurses have been appointed to implement the scheme in the seven districts.
"By the end of the year, the government is hoping to extend the scheme to the entire state, after an induction of an estimated 25,000 additional health care workforce (healthcare volunteers and nurses)", he said.
"We are expecting one crore people from 30 lakh families to be benefitted from this scheme within this year", he said, adding, in the initial phase a total of 1,264 women health volunteers, 50 physiotherapists and 50 nurses have been appointed to identify non-communicable diseases and provide treatment at the doorstep.
Mr Stalin said Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam was also part of the 7-point vision of his government that envisioned an “enhanced quality of life for all.”
“Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam will ring in an era of healthcare delivery, where people need not come to the hospitals, but have access to medicine and screening at their doorstep,” he added.
Through the scheme, high blood pressure and diabetes, both of which go largely undetected in the villages will be screened and monthly medicines will be provided at the doorstep.
Similarly, physiotherapy will be given to those that are in need of care.
The scheme will also include screening of kidney ailments and congenital defects in children and will be followed up through hospital treatment,
Mr.Stalin said and added that in due course, dialysis will also be provided to those with kidney ailments through portable dialysis machines..
The Chief Minister also flagged off three vehicles for the medical staffs for implementing the scheme. (UNI)
