A New Milestone in Public Healthcare Access
Tamil Nadu to Roll Out 1,000 ‘Mudhalvar Marunthagam’ Pharmacies for Affordable Medicines: Tamil Nadu is preparing to launch 1,000 Mudhalvar Marunthagam outlets, also known as Chief Minister’s Pharmacies, before the month ends. This flagship initiative is designed to improve access to essential medicines at prices lower than those at existing government outlets like Amma Pharmacy or PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras. Each store will stock 186 varieties of generic drugs, along with Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, surgical essentials, nutraceuticals, and wellness items.
Operational Model and Target Beneficiaries
The Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation (TNMSC) will handle the centralized purchase and distribution of quality-assured medications. The pricing model ensures that the medicines will be sold at 10% cheaper rates than comparable public schemes. In addition to serving the public, the scheme promotes local entrepreneurship by inviting applications from registered pharmacists who hold D.Pharm or B.Pharm degrees.
Financial Support for Pharmacist Entrepreneurs
Selected pharmacy operators under this scheme will receive ₹3 lakh in government assistance. This includes ₹1.5 lakh in cash support for setting up the shop (interiors, racks, equipment) and ₹1.5 lakh worth of medicine stock. This dual mode of aid—cash and inventory—ensures that entrepreneurs can begin operations with minimal financial barriers.
Administrative Oversight and Scheme Objectives
The scheme will be implemented under the guidance of the Department of Co-operation, Food and Consumer Protection, Government of Tamil Nadu. By blending healthcare affordability with pharmacist-led micro-enterprises, the program aims to expand the last-mile reach of critical drugs and traditional systems of medicine. This move adds to Tamil Nadu’s record of pioneering public health reforms, aligning both welfare and economic upliftment.
Static GK Snapshot
| Topic | Details |
| Scheme Title | Mudhalvar Marunthagam (Chief Minister’s Pharmacy) |
| Rollout Target | 1,000 pharmacies across Tamil Nadu |
| Governing Department | Department of Co-operation, Food and Consumer Protection |
| Nodal Agency | Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation (TNMSC) |
| Medicines Provided | 186 generic drugs, Siddha, Ayurveda, Unani, IMCAPS, DAMCAL, surgical, nutraceuticals |
| Price Advantage | 10% cheaper than other government-run pharmacies |
| Eligibility Criteria | Registered pharmacists with D.Pharm or B.Pharm qualifications |
| Grant Structure | ₹3 lakh (₹1.5 lakh cash + ₹1.5 lakh stock in kind) |
| Mode of Application | Online submission for eligible pharmacists |
