Tamil Nadu’s “Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam” (MTM), a scheme that takes health services to the doorsteps of people, may be a step in the right direction in the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCD). Profiled recently by the WHO for its outreach efforts, health officials in the State claim to have set their focus on doing better, in terms of identification of silent hypertension or diabetes, to ensure proper drug dispensation, to address gaps and promote preventive health measures.
As per data put out by the Health Department, 1,00,51,661 persons were covered for first-time services and 3,04,71,86 persons under repeat services under MTM since its launch in August 2021.
“COVID-19 was one of the triggers for starting this intervention as patients with co-morbidities had higher mortality compared to those with no co-morbidity. So, to bring down mortality, it became essential to control co-morbidities,” T.S. Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health (DPH) and Preventive Medicine, said.
