The government will launch another major health scheme, ‘Nalamana Tamilagam,' on November 26 to focus on diabetes and blood pressure.
People in rural areas who are above 30 years of age will be screened and those having BP and diabetes will get immediate medical attention.
Deputy Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will launch the at a primary health centre near Chennai.
R.T. Porkai Pandian, Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, told The Hindu that the Health Department was giving major attention to non-communicable diseases through this scheme. Door-to door exercise would be carried out. Also, screening camps would be held throughout the State.
Dr. Pandian said that the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) was funding the scheme. The State government was determined on prevention aspects.
“Till now, we were focusing on disease breakouts such as A(H1N1). Somehow, the non-communicable diseases got neglected and hence the government is launching this scheme.”
Instructions have been given to Deputy Directors of Health Services of all districts through special meetings to explain the objectives of ‘Nalamana Tamilagam.'
Stating that Tamil Nadu was taking the lead in diabetes control and management, Dr. Pandian expressed confidence that the scheme would help the health authorities detect non-communicable diseases at an early stage. The primary health centres were equipped with all facilities to treat the patients.
“We are concerned about the morbidity and mortality due to diabetes and blood pressure. Prevention is better than cure and we are hoping to cover 2.5 lakh families in the first phase.”
