UN awards

Tamil Nadu’s Health and Family Welfare Department has been awarded the prestigious ‘UN Interagency Task Force Awards (UNIATF) for 2024’ for its flagship healthcare initiative, Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam. The award, announced under the category of Ministries of Health, recognizes the state’s exemplary efforts in addressing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) through innovation and technology. Health Minister Ma. Subramanian, in a press release on Monday, celebrated the recognition, emphasizing that the scheme has significantly improved access to healthcare for vulnerable populations by delivering comprehensive home-based services. The programme strengthens the health system for NCDs at all levels, providing treatment and follow-up care directly to beneficiaries’ doorsteps. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin lauded the success of Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam, which has benefitted over 1.80 crore people, in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He praised the initiative for transforming lives and delivering essential healthcare to the masses. The Chief Minister also congratulated the Health Department, including its doctors, nurses, and staff, for their relentless efforts in making the scheme a success. Minister Subramanian hailed the award as a validation of the department’s work and a motivation to continue addressing NCD challenges. He noted that the recognition would inspire further efforts toward improving control rates and managing complications related to NCDs. The UNIATF awards are granted annually to acknowledge outstanding contributions in NCD and mental health management. Tamil Nadu’s Health Department was one of 14 global organizations honored at the 79th UN General Assembly in New York on September 25. Source: The Hindu