85% of Nilgiris population screened under Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam Scheme: Health Minister 

UDHAGAMANDALAM Around 85 % of the Nilgiris population has been screened under the State government�

Around 85 % of the Nilgiris population has been screened under the State government’s Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam Scheme, said Health Minister Ma. Subramaniam here on Saturday.

Mr. Subramaniam, who visited Muthanad Mund during the launch of mobile medical units in Udhagamandalam, said of the 5.68 lakh people screened in the Nilgiris, 42,970 persons, who were found to have health issues such as diabetes and high blood pressure, were being treated.

The Minister said 389 mobile medical units at ₹ 70 crore had been inaugurated across the State. Each unit would have a doctor, nurse as well as a driver and would visit around 40 villages each week.

The Minister also appreciated the efforts of former District Collector J. Innocent Divya in ensuring the Nilgiris becoming the first district in the country to fully vaccinate its tribal population against COVID-19.

He spoke of the Government Medical College in Udhagamandalam, stating that around 150 students would be eligible to study in the college. Mr. Subramaniam said the Nilgiris was the first hill district in the country with a government medical college.

Forest Minister K. Ramachandran, Director of Public Health and Preventative Medicine T.S. Selvavinayagam and the Nilgiris Collector S.P. Amrith were present during the event.