National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment (NPCBVI)
Tamil Nadu State Blindness Control Society and the 38 District Blindness Control Societies (DBCS) together form a vertical programme under National Health Mission Tamil Nadu, for implementing the activities of National Programme for Control of Blindness and Visual impairment programme in our state. The Mission Director National Health Mission Tamil Nadu and the District Collector/Chairman DBCS is the Head of the programme at the State and District level respectively.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a preventable, long-term, and progressive respiratory condition that significantly impacts an individual’s health and socioeconomic well-being. It is characterized by persistent airflow limitation in the lungs, leading to symptoms such as chronic cough, progressive breathlessness, and copious sputum expectoration.
Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP)
he Integrated Disease Surveillance Project (IDSP), initiated during 2005–2006, operates through State Surveillance Units (SSUs) and District Surveillance Units (DSUs). The SSU functions at the State level, while DSUs are established in all districts under the Deputy Director of Health Services (DDHS).
The primary objective of the programme is to ensure early identification of disease outbreaks and facilitate prompt public health action to reduce morbidity and prevent mortality.
NATIONAL VIRAL HEPATITIS CONTROL PROGRAMME (NVHCP)
The National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme was launched in 2018 with an aim to combat hepatitis and achieve country wide elimination of Hepatitis C by 2030, achieve significant reduction in the morbidity and mortality associated with Hepatitis B and C among the infected population and reduce the risk, morbidity and mortality due to Hepatitis A and E. Under NVHCP, 42 treatment centres have been established across the state where screening, diagnosis and treatment of Hepatitis B and C are done. Among these 42 Treatment centres, 35 Treatment centres are functioning in Medical College Hospitals and the rest in District Head Quarters Hospital. To assist the patients within the treatment centre, to counsel about the importance of adherence to treatment and for regular follow up of the patients, Peer supporters are being engaged in these treatment centres under NVHCP.
Family Welfare Services
The National Family Welfare Programme has been implemented in Tamil Nadu since 1956. The programme is aimed at raising the standard of living, improving Maternal and Child Health, and thereby stabilizing population growth.
Tamil Nadu follows the Community Needs Assessment Approach for implementing Family Welfare and Maternal & Child Health programmes under RMNCH+A Servicesensuring that services are need-based, equitable, and community-centred.
Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)
Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) focuses on improving the quality of life and survival outcomes of children through early identification and management of health conditions. The programme addresses 30 health conditions grouped under the 4Ds – Defects at Birth, Diseases, Deficiencies and Developmental Delays including Disabilities for children from birth to 18 years of age.
Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA)
The Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) is a trained female community health volunteer serving as the first point of contact between the community and the public health system.
Home Based Care for Young Child (HBYC)
Home Based Care for Young Child (HBYC) is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The programme is implemented under the National Health Mission as an extension of the Home Based New Born Care (HBNC) programme. Under HBNC, ASHAs conduct home visits for newborns until the 42nd day after birth. However, a gap existed in household health system contact beyond this period. To address this gap, HBYC introduces additional home visits between the 3rd and 15th months of a child’s life.
National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE)
In countries with large populations, such as India, the number of elderly persons aged 60 years and above has grown substantially. As per estimates for 2022, India has nearly 149 million elderly persons, accounting for about 10.5 percent of the country’s total population. Within India, the State of Tamil Nadu stands out as one of the most rapidly ageing states, ranking second in the country as per the 2011 Census, with older persons constituting 13.7 percent of the total population. This increasing proportion of elderly individuals underscores the need for comprehensive policies and programmes to address their health, social, and economic well-being.
Tamil Nadu Cancer Care Mission
Initiatives are being undertaken statewide to raise awareness, strengthen community engagement through frontline health workers, and promote lifestyle risk reduction. Towards the elimination of cervical cancer, HPV vaccination is being rolled out for 14-year-old girls.