Background of the State Survey
Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam State Survey: Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam is a flagship public health initiative of the Tamil Nadu government focusing on doorstep healthcare delivery. A recent State-wide cross-sectional household survey assessed the performance of the scheme across all 38 districts of Tamil Nadu. The study mainly examined access to care for diabetes and hypertension, two major non-communicable diseases.
The survey provides important evidence on how public health outreach models function in diverse socio-economic settings. It also highlights equity in healthcare access among vulnerable population groups.
Coverage of Screening Services
The survey revealed that nearly 80% of the population had been screened for diabetes and hypertension. Most screenings were conducted through home visits by MTM field workers, reducing the need for hospital visits. This approach significantly improved early identification of chronic diseases.
The doorstep model proved particularly effective in rural and remote areas. It reduced indirect costs such as travel time and wage loss for households.
Static GK fact: Tamil Nadu has a long history of primary healthcare innovation, including the establishment of one of India’s earliest structured public health departments in 1923.
Treatment and Disease Management Outcomes
Among individuals diagnosed with diabetes or hypertension, more than 95% were on regular treatment. This reflects strong medicine availability and follow-up mechanisms under the scheme. Free drug distribution and periodic monitoring played a crucial role.
However, despite high treatment coverage, disease control levels remained low. This indicates challenges related to lifestyle modification, long-term adherence, and clinical monitoring.
The findings suggest that screening and treatment alone are insufficient without sustained behavioural and dietary interventions.
Social and Regional Equity in Coverage
The survey found that women, rural residents, and SC/ST communities had better coverage compared to urban populations. This trend highlights the success of targeted outreach strategies adopted under the scheme. Community-based health workers played a key role in building trust among marginalized groups.
Urban areas showed relatively lower engagement, possibly due to dependence on private healthcare providers. The scheme’s design has therefore helped narrow traditional rural–urban health gaps.
Static GK Tip: Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are identified under Articles 341 and 342 of the Indian Constitution for targeted welfare measures.
Public Health Significance
The survey underlines the effectiveness of doorstep healthcare delivery in improving access to essential NCD services. It demonstrates that decentralised health systems can achieve high population coverage. At the same time, it flags the need for stronger disease control strategies.
The findings provide valuable inputs for strengthening India’s broader non-communicable disease control programmes. Tamil Nadu’s experience may serve as a model for other states.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam State Survey:
| Topic | Detail |
| Scheme assessed | Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam |
| Nature of study | State-wide cross-sectional household survey |
| Geographic coverage | All 38 districts of Tamil Nadu |
| Diseases focused | Diabetes and hypertension |
| Screening coverage | Around 80% of population |
| Mode of screening | Home visits by field workers |
| Treatment coverage | More than 95% of diagnosed patients |
| Key beneficiaries | Women, rural residents, SC/ST groups |
| Major challenge | Low disease control despite treatment |
| Public health relevance | Strengthening NCD outreach and equity |
