Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD)
Patient Support Group (PSG)
Patient Support Groups (PSG) are a community-based initiative implemented in Tamil Nadu to strengthen prevention and management of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), particularly Hypertension and Diabetes, through collective engagement and peer support.
Patient Support Groups enable individuals with NCDs to come together, share experiences, support each other in treatment adherence, and collectively address challenges in disease management.
47
UHC Blocks Under Expansion
Programme Overview
Pilot Launch
Initiated as a pilot in August 2019.Pilot Districts
Implemented initially in Cuddalore, Villupuram and Virudhunagar.State Expansion
Currently being expanded across all 47 UHC Blocks in Tamil Nadu.MMU Integration
Integrated with Mobile Medical Units (MMU) under the Hospital on Wheels programme.Health & Wellness Centres
In non-MMU villages, implemented through Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs).
2019
Pilot Introduced
3
Pilot Districts
47
UHC Blocks
NCD
Hypertension & Diabetes Focus
Community Participation
The success of PSGs is driven by Women Health Volunteers (WHVs) from Self-Help Group (SHG) networks, who act as the first point of contact at the household level for NCD screening and awareness.
PSG Facilitation
WHVs facilitate PSG meetings and community engagement.Treatment Compliance
They ensure continuous follow-up and promote treatment compliance.Community Connect
Their strong community connection enhances programme effectiveness.Implementation Model
Screening
Community-level NCD identification
Enrollment
Patients join support groups
Peer Support
Regular interaction and motivation
Follow-up
Treatment adherence monitoring
Better Outcomes
Improved disease management