Makkalai thedi maruthuvam: A transformative doorstep healthcare initiative in Tamil Nadu

Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam (MTM), meaning “Healthcare in Search of People,” is a flagship doorstep healthcare initiative launched by the Government of Tamil Nadu on 5th August 2021 [1]. The scheme aims to provide essential healthcare services to vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, bedridden individuals, persons with disabilities, and patients suffering from chronic non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. With the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases in India, early detection, continuous monitoring, and uninterrupted medication supply are crucial. The MTM scheme strengthens primary healthcare services by ensuring screening, distribution of essential medicines, physiotherapy, health education, counseling, and referral services at the community level. Since its inception, the program has benefited approximately 2.5 crore people across Tamil Nadu, significantly improving healthcare accessibility, treatment compliance, and quality of life while reducing hospital overcrowding. The initiative reflects the principles of community health nursing and contributes toward achieving universal health coverage through equitable and accessible healthcare delivery.