Tamil Nadu's Flagship Healthcare Program Spotlighted at JHU
GKII co-hosted a special seminar with Tamil Nadu's Health Minister, Hon. Ma. Subramanian, sharing insights from the 'Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam' (Health at Your Doorstep) program.
On July 9, GKII and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public welcomed Tamil Nadu’s Health Minister Hon. Ma. Subramanian, and Health Secretary Mr. Gagandeep Singh Bedi. In an exclusive seminar, Minister Subramanian shared insights into Tamil Nadu’s pioneering “Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam” health program, the first of its kind in India, aimed at reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases in the state.
The initiative prioritizes non-communicable disease detection and regular check-ups for individuals over 45, thereby ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible to all, with a focus on underserved populations. It also includes home-based services such as physiotherapy, palliative care, and the provision of essential medical supplies, highlighting a comprehensive approach to public health.
Other discussants included Dr. Aarushi Bhatnagar (Senior Economist, Health at The World Bank) and Dr. Uttara Bharath Kumar (Advisor on Social and Behavior Change at Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs), detailed the extensive research conducted in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu government. Their research was instrumental in understanding the unique needs of the local population. Dr. Kumar highlighted the critical aspects of health literacy and preventive care, including teaching women how to perform self-breast exams, which were incorporated into the scheme to promote sustainable health practices.
The discussion was followed by an engaging Q&A and meet-and-greet session. Students and professionals had the unique opportunity to interact directly with the speakers, asking questions and gaining valuable insights from their extensive experience. Mr. Ma. Subramanian passionately spoke about the importance of prioritizing prevention over cure. He encouraged public health professionals to lead by example, embodying the ethos of dedication and excellence in their work.
The session was organized as part of the Health Minister’s visit to Johns Hopkins facilitated by GKII Faculty Co-Chair Sara Bennett. It provided a platform for attendees to learn from Mr. Subramanian’s insights and the collaborative efforts between Johns Hopkins and the Tamil Nadu government.
The article was written by the GKII staff with generous inputs from JHU Alumna Jasmine Kaur (BSPH ’24).