Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam scheme - A New doorstep care by Tamil Nadu government to treat diabetes and BP etc
Posted on: 14/Jul/2021 8:51:28 AM
More deaths due to non-communicable diseases like heart attacks, strokes, renal failure etc happen every year in the state of Tamil Nadu. This has been worrying many are well known. Now, to prevent more such deaths, TN has come up with a unique solution.
In the future, clinics would be taken to the houses of the people in TN and by this home based dialysis would be offered to the patients. It is now said that by this amazing and unique method deaths due to non-communicable diseases would be brought down by 50percent.
It is learnt that the majority of decisions taken by the doctors are based on the lab tests particularly for diabetes, BP etc. In the next 10 days, TN would launch a mass screening programme and this would be the precursor to the doorstep medical care programme.
After identifying those with elevated BP and blood sugars, government nurses and paramedical staff would deliver medicines and do continuous routine screening at the houses of the people. At Least 1 crore in TN might require constant medical support for BP and diabetes. This was as per an official estimate. The health minister, Mr. M. Subramaniam spoke about how only 20lakhs visit their facilities. He made it clear that under the ‘Makklai Thedi Maruthuvam’ scheme those diagnosed with B P or diabetes would undergo preliminary screening and consultation at the government primary health care centres. He added that after the screening the nurses would deliver medicines at their doorsteps.
For the purpose of routine screening, the nurses would carry BP apparatus, glucometers etc. Information is that when the disorders couldn’t be brought under control with medicines/ exercises/diet etc the patients would be taken to the doctors for further tests etc by the nurses.
Those with diabetes, BP etc would be identified within 6 months and treatment would be initiated. They would be monitored to avoid complications and deaths. The main objective behind this new doorstep care was to bring down the deaths due to non-communicable diseases from atleast 5lakhs per year to less than half. This was mentioned by the health minister on Tuesday.
Point is that those persons with mobility issues would be given physiotherapy and kits for peritoneal dialysis would also be issued to those with chronic kidney diseases. Peritoneal dialysis could be done at homes every day and it is also included under the chief minister’s health insurance scheme.
Health secretary, Mr. J. Radhakrishnan was of the view that everyone in TN must get access to quality healthcare. In the future, there would be more women at the public facilities for maternal and infant healthcare in TN. The health minister was hoping that the current 60% deliveries that have been taking place in the GH’s would go up to 70%.
