Social Justice Approach to Health - Tamil Nadu Health Model

Honorable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Thiru M.K Stalin launched two unique state health programs in August 2021

- Dr Ezhilan Naganathan

HEALTH SCHEME 1 

"Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam"-(MTM) Health services at your door step.

This program was initiated to deal with the rising silent epidemic of non-communicable diseases or lifestyle health disorders. 10969 women health volunteers, 4848 health care workers and 2448 multipurpose health service providers were roped in to provide household diagnostic services for hypertension and diabetes. Monthly provision of antihypertensive and anti-diabetes medications for patients above 45 years of age was delivered. Home physiotherapy services, peritoneal dialysis and detection of congenital disorders in children were included in the scheme.

Outcome: So far up to Jan 2024 1 crore 72 thousand beneficiaries have utilized the services of the scheme.73.6% of the beneficiaries measured the blood pressure and checked their blood sugar for the first time in their lives. Higher proportion of women were screened when compared to men. Rural areas coverage rate was more when compared to urban households. The scheme coverage was more with scheduled caste population under social categorization.

HEALTH SCHEME 2 -

Innuyir Kaapom - Holistic Trauma Services For Road Traffic Accidents

Tamil Nadu road safety data reveals that 55713 road accidents happened in 2021 with mortality of 14,912 and severe morbidity of 17,544.

To reduce this problem a novel program was launched to save lives of road traffic victims.

500 high risk zones were identified. Nearby Trauma care service providers were marked which includes 440 private and 222 government hospitals. Financial incentive of Rs 5000 were given for bystanders who brought the patients to the hospital within the golden hour.