Will CM Stalin Launch 'Nalam Kaakkum Stalin' Today?

Chennai, Aug 2 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, is set to unveil the state's prominent health screening initiative, Nalam Kaakkum Stalin, on Saturday at St Bede's Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School in Chennai.

This programme is designed for the early detection and treatment of non-communicable diseases and will be implemented across Tamil Nadu via 1,256 specialized health camps.

It specifically targets individuals over the age of 40, especially those suffering from diabetes, hypertension, heart disorders, mental health issues, as well as pregnant women, nursing mothers, persons with disabilities, and marginalized and tribal communities.

Each health camp will offer complimentary consultations from specialists in 15 medical fields, including cardiology, neurology, ophthalmology, ENT, dermatology, and AYUSH systems.

Diagnostic services such as ECG, ECHO, ultrasound, X-rays, and blood tests will be available on-site.

Patients will receive their test results through WhatsApp, and the camps will take place on all working Saturdays in schools or colleges, as stated by Additional Chief Secretary J. Radhakrishnan.

On a related note, the Tamil Nadu government submitted a petition to the Madras High Court on Friday, seeking a modification of an interim order that prevents the state from launching welfare schemes under the names of living political figures.

The government requested the court to clarify that the order does not pertain to the Nalam Kaakkum Stalin initiative, as it is being introduced in the name of the Chief Minister, who is a constitutional authority rather than a conventional political figure.

The first bench, led by Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava, has verbally indicated that the launch can proceed following a mention by Advocate General P.S. Raman.

However, the government chose to file a formal petition, which is anticipated to be reviewed on Monday.

In its filing, the state highlighted that extensive groundwork had been laid for the programme, including the creation and distribution of pamphlets, brochures, and application forms.

Additionally, it noted that 800 hospitals have been integrated into the programme to manage the influx of patients.

"If the court's order is enforced immediately, the entire scheme will have to be put on hold, leading to weeks of delays and wastage of resources," the petition asserted.

This case arises from a petition by former AIADMK law minister C. Ve. Shanmugam, who claimed that the scheme contravenes guidelines established by the Supreme Court and the Election Commission.