Tamil Nadu CM Unveils 1,000 CM Pharmacies Offering Subsidized Medicines
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Synopsis
On February 24, Tamil Nadu's CM M.K. Stalin launched 1,000 'Mudhalvar Marundhagams' (CM’s Pharmacies) to provide subsidized medicines across the state. Aimed at making healthcare more accessible, these pharmacies will offer discounts up to 75% and receive support from the government.
Key Takeaways
- 1,000 CM Pharmacies launched in Tamil Nadu
- Subsidized medicines to assist middle-class families
- Discounts of up to 75% on essential medicines
- Government support of up to Rs 3 lakh for pharmacies
- 500 pharmacies managed by cooperative societies
Chennai, Feb 24 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, inaugurated 1,000 'Mudhalvar Marundhagams' (CM’s Pharmacies) throughout the state to offer medicines at subsidised rates.
These pharmacies, launched by the Cooperation Department, mark the initial phase of this initiative.
The official unveiling occurred at the Anna Centenary Library campus on Monday.
Stalin initially revealed this plan during his Independence Day address on August 15, 2024, aiming to make essential medicines more affordable for middle-class patients obtaining treatment in private hospitals.
In his speech, Stalin pointed out that although government hospitals offer free treatment for the economically disadvantaged, numerous middle-class families face challenges due to soaring medicine costs, particularly for chronic ailments like diabetes and hypertension. He stressed that 'Mudhalvar Marundhagams' would play a pivotal role in closing this gap by providing generic and essential medicines at drastically lowered prices.
The Chief Minister also shared that pharmacists and cooperative societies operating these pharmacies would receive subsidies of up to Rs 3 lakh. Moreover, medicines will be accessible at discounts of up to 75 per cent, thus enhancing healthcare accessibility.
Of the 1,000 pharmacies launched, 500 will be managed by cooperative societies, while the other 500 will be operated by qualified pharmacists and enterprising individuals.
Stalin reiterated the DMK government’s determination to focus on education and healthcare, despite financial limitations. He affirmed that these welfare initiatives were being implemented solely for the benefit of the people of Tamil Nadu, “without being obstructed by restrictions from the Union government”.
Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam referred to a 2020 STEPS survey indicating that 30 per cent of the state’s population aged 18-69 had high blood pressure, while 18 per cent were diagnosed with diabetes. Given the considerable disease burden, numerous families allocate a substantial portion of their income to medicines, and Muruganandam stated that the newly launched pharmacies would alleviate this financial pressure.
The event saw the presence of several key officials, including Ministers K.R. Periakaruppan, Ma. Subramanian, P.K. Sekar Babu, Chennai Mayor R. Priya, Chennai South MP Thamizhachi Thangapandian, among others.
With ambitions to expand the number of 'Mudhalvar Marundhagams' across Tamil Nadu, this initiative aims to ensure that affordable medicines reach a wider audience, reinforcing the state government’s commitment to public health.
