Smart work done by Tamil Nadu government by adhering to “Prevention is always better than Cure”

Tamil Nadu Health and Family Welfare Minister, Ma. Subramanian launched the 'Siruneeragam Kakkum Seermigu Maruthuva Thittam' (Medical scheme to protect kidneys) in Omandurar Government Medical College, a few days ago.

CM Stalin has already introduced many medical schemes such as Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam scheme, Nammai Kakkum 48 etc. Moreover, dialysis has been done free of cost at government hospitals for kidney failure patients. As an addition to this, 'Siruneeragam Kakkum Seermigu Maruthuva Thittam' has been introduced now.

About the Siruneeragam Kakkum Seermigu Maruthuva Thittam:

The scheme to protect kidneys was announced in the budget session for the fiscal year 2023-24. The main objective of the scheme is to address, treat and prevent the occurrence of kidney issues for people above 30 years of age because of their vulnerability to kidney problems. Through this objective, the scheme aims to prevent any future damage to the kidney and to ensure good health for the public.

According to the scheme, a basic screening test will be performed for all persons above 30 years of age. The test will check for the albumin level, contagious particles in urine and also urine colour will be analysed. If the result is normal, the process ends with the test but if there is any abnormality or signs of kidney failure in the result, further tests will be conducted and the cause and effects of the problem will be found right away.

Thorough analysis of the report will be done and if needed neurologist advice will also be sought. "The main objective of the scheme is to provide a medical mechanism to prevent someone from reaching the point of kidney failure in one's life", said Selvavinayagam, the Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine.

Implementation of the scheme:

Already in every district government hospital in Tamil Nadu, dialysis is done free of charge for people with kidney problems caused by diabetes. Through the Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam scheme also, the government is approaching the public for the treatment of kidney problems. In addition to this, free kidney transplant is being done for people with complete kidney failure.

Even though the government provides a lot of schemes for the treatment of kidney problems, there are certain constraints for the patients other than the financial constraints. Patients undergoing Hemodialysis have to visit the hospital 3 or 4 times a week for the procedure and the patient should be accompanied by someone due to the condition. In order to avoid such scenarios, the scheme to protect kidneys was introduced as a precautionary and preventive measure.

Early diagnosis in the case of kidney problems gives leverage to the patients, which is the main objective of the scheme. Going by this objective, patients with high blood pressure and patients in their 1st stage of diabetes who are the beneficiaries of Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam scheme are monitored closely and kidney related tests are taken for them.

In all Primary Health Centres or government hospitals or government medical colleges the basic kidney test will be conducted for persons above 30 years of age. If the result contains symptoms for kidney problems, a next level test will be taken and the person can continue the treatment.

Previously, Minister Ma. Subramanian launched the scheme on 10.7.2023 in Salem district. In the first phase of implementation in Salem, the tests were conducted in Primary Health Centres and Sub-Health Centres. Till now basic kidney tests were conducted for 5 lakh persons and among them 3000 persons showed symptoms for kidney problems whose samples were recommended for further tests.

The extension of the scheme is now launched in Omandurar government hospital by the Health Minister Ma. Subramanian. The benefit of the basic test is early diagnosis and prevention of kidney failure for a person above 30 years of age who has the high chances of developing kidney problems. Through the early diagnosis, the scheme ensures long and healthy life for the public.

The key to address kidney problems is awareness!