City
Epaper

Volunteers quitting Stalin's pet healthcare scheme

By IANS | Updated: December 21, 2021 12:35 IST

Chennai, Dec 21 Several volunteers of 'Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam scheme' or healthcare to doorsteps for the elderly, launched ...

Open in App

Chennai, Dec 21 Several volunteers of 'Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam scheme' or healthcare to doorsteps for the elderly, launched by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin at Krishnagiri district on August 4, have quit citing low salaries.

The scheme, launched at Krishnagiri district on August 4, was an instant hit among the elderly and bedridden people with volunteers reaching their homes for sugar tests, blood pressure tests, and other vital tests. However, with low wages an increasing number of volunteers are quitting.

Prassana (27) of Krishnagiri district, who was earlier unemployed, was the first one to join the scheme as a volunteer, but was told that she would be paid an honorarium of Rs 4,500 per month. She was given basic training in checking blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

While speaking to , the homemaker turned volunteer said, "It was a nice scheme, but the pay is abysmally poor and I have two children, husband, and my parents. While my husband is also working, I am not chipping in much for the family budget and I am forced to quit as near our town there are some good small industries where I get paid up to 12,000 Rs a month and that will help me survive in the tough times. Hence, I am quitting this."

In the garment city of Tiruppur also several women have quit the Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam scheme. Here also the reason for quitting is low remuneration.

Manonmani (23), a volunteer with the scheme while speaking to said, "I am getting a job in a garment factory where a semi-skilled worker is paid Rs 12,500 a month which is Rs 8,000 more than what the government project offers. Survival is important and I can't survive on this money."

Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam scheme officials also said that the salary was poor and this was affecting the project as well with more than 25 per cent of the volunteers quitting the scheme.

Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian while speaking to said, "It was a major gesture by the Chief Minister to bring quality healthcare at the doorsteps of those who require it including elderly people and those who are bedridden due to various ailments. I will have a discussion with the health department officials and those in-charge of the project and take a call after apprising the Chief Minister also."

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor

Tags: Department of Health and Family WelfareMa subramanianTamil NaduThe tamil naduSouthern states of tamil naduKarnataka border area development authorityKarnataka regional border development authorityTwitter tamil nadu
Open in App

Related Stories

NationalTamil Nadu Road Accident: Speeding Bike Crashes into Mini Truck on Annur–Coimbatore Road; Two Dead

NationalMayonnaise Made with Raw Eggs Banned in Tamil Nadu for One Year: Here's Why

NationalTamil Nadu: Over 30 Hospitalised, Two Dead in Tiruchirappalli Due to Sewage-Contaminated Drinking Water

NationalNIA Files Supplementary Chargesheet Against Five In 2022 Coimbatore Temple Blast

NationalFirst Waqf Notice Hits Villagers After New Law Implementation; ‘Vacate or Pay Tax,’ Sparks Uproar in Tamil Nadu

Politics Realted Stories

Maharashtra'Unity Not Just for Elections': MNS Leader Sandeep Deshpande on Possible Thackeray Alliance

PoliticsMurshidabad Violence: Shehzad Poonawalla Slams Yusuf Pathan Over Tea Post, Says, “As Hindus Get Slaughtered…”

PoliticsTamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026: BJP-AIADMK Join Hands, Palaniswami To Lead Alliance, Says Amit Shah

Politics‘No Injustice to Muslims’: Shiv Sena Leader Manisha Kayande Slams Opponents of Waqf Amendment Bill

NationalParliament Passes Waqf Amendment Bill: Two JDU Leaders Resign Over Party's Support