Tamil Nadu government runs Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam, a doorstep healthcare scheme that brings medical services and medicines straight to people's homes. The scheme was launched in August 2021 across 7 districts, including Chennai and Coimbatore, and it is still going strong in 2026. As per the Tamil Nadu Budget 2026-27, the scheme has already reached 2.25 crore people through doorstep visits by medical teams doing screening for non-communicable diseases.
Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam means "Healthcare in Search of People". The scheme was started by former Chief Minister MK Stalin to make sure patients, especially the elderly, disabled and those with long-term illnesses, do not have to visit hospitals for every small need. In this article, we will look into the complete details of the scheme, its benefits, and its latest status.
Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam Scheme Status in 2026
The scheme continues to run under the new Tamil Nadu government led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, who took charge on 10 May 2026 after the state assembly elections. The scheme has not been closed or renamed. In the Tamil Nadu Budget 2026-27, the Health and Family Welfare Department got an allocation of Rs 22,090 crore, and the government shared the latest progress of the scheme during the budget speech.
As per the budget details, 2.25 crore people have received primary medical services through doorstep visits by medical teams doing screening for non-communicable diseases. Another 4.75 crore people have availed follow-up services under the scheme. The scheme also received appreciation at the United Nations Inter Agency Task Force Awards 2024 in the Ministries for Health category for its effectiveness.
About Tamil Nadu Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam Scheme
The scheme was launched in August 2021 at a cost of Rs 258 crore to make sure that persons with co-morbidities, the disabled and the elderly get access to medicine and healthcare at their doorstep. The aim is to remove the need for patients to visit hospitals for treating non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
According to a government order, the scheme covers 1,172 health sub-centres, 189 primary health centres and 50 community health centres across 50 universal health coverage blocks in the state. Teams of ASHA workers and nurses make regular visits to households to deliver medicines and basic health services.
Benefits of the Scheme
The scheme delivers a wide range of home-based health care services. It includes screening for ten common conditions for people aged 18 years and above, covering diabetes, hypertension, cervical cancer, breast cancer and oral cancer. The main benefits are given below.
- Doorstep delivery of medicines for chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, so patients do not have to travel to a hospital.
- Regular home visits by ASHA workers and nurses for follow-up care, physiotherapy and palliative care for the elderly and disabled.
- Free screening for non-communicable diseases at home, which has helped find many new cases of diabetes and hypertension early.
Progress of the Scheme
The scheme has grown steadily since its launch. By 23 February 2022, the progress report showed that 1,90,932 people had received palliative care, 3,71,938 people had received physiotherapy, and 1,259 people had received self-dialysis facility. The scheme has since expanded to cover nearly 3 crore people across Tamil Nadu districts between 2021 and 2026.
An evaluation study by the State Planning Commission found that out-of-pocket medical spending for lower income groups halved after the scheme was implemented. Before the scheme, only one third of people from low income groups were screened for diabetes and hypertension, and this rose to nearly half. The study also found that the scheme helped diagnose two-thirds of newly detected diabetes cases and three-fourths of newly detected hypertension cases in the last year.
The Tamil Nadu government also runs other health schemes along with Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam. The Innuyir Kappom and Nammai Kaakkum 48 schemes cover the expenses for emergency care of accident victims in the first 48 hours. Under these schemes, the government has spent Rs 19.77 crore for the treatment of road accident victims, and 218 private and 422 government hospitals are part of the scheme.
For more details on health support in the state, you can check the Tamil Nadu CM Health Insurance Scheme and the Kalaignarin Varumun Kappom Thittam Scheme.
FAQ's
Is the Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam Scheme still running in 2026?
Yes, the scheme is still active. It continues under the new Tamil Nadu government and was highlighted in the Tamil Nadu Budget 2026-27, which showed that 2.25 crore people have received doorstep medical services.
Who can get benefit from this scheme?
The scheme mainly helps elderly people, disabled persons, and those with long-term conditions like diabetes and hypertension. It also covers screening for non-communicable diseases for people aged 18 years and above.
What services are provided at home under the scheme?
The scheme provides doorstep delivery of medicines, basic health check-ups, screening for non-communicable diseases, physiotherapy, palliative care and self-dialysis facility for those who need it.
Source / Reference Link: https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2022/feb/24/healthcare-schemes-get-boost-in-tn-118-new-ambulances-launched-2423079.html
My brother very sick. He unable to walk and speak. Please help for us.
என் தந்தை ஒரு அரசு ஊழியர் (கிராம உதவியாளர்). தற்போது அவரால் நடக்க முடியவில்லை சளி அதிகமாகி பேச்சு வராமல் உள்ளார் ! அவருக்கு இந்த இல்லம் தேடி மருத்துவத் திட்டம் போல் உதவ வழி உண்டா! பிளீஸ் ஹெல்ப் மை தந்தை!
I am in Similar situation. My brother was a schizophrenia patient from the age of 17. My parents 93 and 84. Numerous representations. No support still today.