The initiative was inaugurated by Padma Dr. V.S. Natarajan, India’s Father of Geriatrics, and Dr. D.S. Ramaiah, a 98-year-old VHS Senior Citizen Centre resident. Dr. Natarajan praised VHS for its affordable, high-quality healthcare, while Prof. Suresh Seshadri, Hon. Secretary & CEO, highlighted VHS’s 65-year legacy in accessible medical care.

Dr. Usha Sriram, Head of Diabetes & Endocrinology, emphasised the importance of regular check-ups for seniors to manage conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis, and heart disease. The Aarogyam 100 program offers free consultations in General Medicine, Surgery, Geriatrics, Urology, Neurology, Ophthalmology, Dental Care, and Endocrinology.

The Aarogyam Card was also launched, providing:

• Free Registration & Ambulance Pickup (within 5 km)
• Priority Appointments & Admissions
• Discounts on Lab Tests, Cataract Surgeries & Pharmacy

In a generous gesture, Dr. Ramaiah donated Rs.5 lakh towards enhancing VHS’s senior care facilities. For registration, send details via WhatsApp to 91500 17981 or 93840 03115.

Distinguished guests included Deepak Koushik (Superintendent, Narcotics Control Bureau), Dr. Shiva Prakash Srinivasan (Consultant Psychiatrist, SCARF), and Dr. Zarina (Head of Psychology Department, Women’s Christian College). They addressed an audience of trustees, staff, and students from Chennai’s top colleges, emphasising TTK’s role in education, training, and research.

Over four and a half decades, TTK Hospital has evolved from traditional therapy to holistic treatments, integrating art, horticulture, and music therapy. The hospital also runs specialised programs for police personnel, urban societies, and rural communities.

Recognising the rise of digital addiction, TTK offers digital detox programs, individual counselling, and group therapy for gamblers. TTK Hospital remains a beacon of hope for individuals and families struggling with addiction.

For more details, visit www.ttkhospital.com or contact 24918461, 47812949, 94450 23737 (WhatsApp).

On Feb.11, the wheelchair-accessible wooden pathway was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin at Elliot’s Beach.

The idea to set up this pathway was mooted way back in 2016 on World Disability Day, when the then Deputy Commissioner-Works, K.S.Kandaswamy, IAS, visited Vidya Sagar (a disability services and support organisation in Kotturpuram) and held discussions with the students over there. When asked which place they would like to visit, most of them suggested the beach. At that time, there was no provision for people with disabilities to visit the beach as it was not accessible by wheelchairs.

The Disability Rights Alliance Tamilnadu (DRA TN) team also felt that it was the duty of the government to make public places (including beaches) accessible for people with disabilities. Thus, they met the GCC Commissioner, who set up a group of officials for this purpose. They also met Raj Cherubal, CEO of Chennai Smart City, and local community members, including environmentalists, vendors, fishermen groups, residents and beach users in this regard.

Their efforts bore fruit, and the first pathway was set up at Marina Beach in 2022, following which it was agreed to make Elliot’s Beach wheelchair accessible.

There were some initial hiccups regarding the exact location of the pathway. While the officials suggested it be put up at the Ashtalakshmi Temple beach, DRA TN preferred to have the ramp at the most happening location on the beach. It was finally decided to put it up on the main road. 

Accordingly, the plan was put into action, and a wooden open pathway with railings was constructed with a beach viewing deck in full compliance with CRZ rules. This has become a big hit among beachgoers. There are a few wooden benches on both sides of the pathway where people can sit. 

The DRA TN team wanted this pathway to be an inclusive path so that apart from people with disabilities, even elderly people, children and pregnant women can use it. There are beach wheelchairs that people with disabilities can make use of, and they are kept in a storage container on the road, outside the path. The wheelchairs are fitted with special floating wheels that can even go on water.

Special parking slots have been reserved (5 nos) for the vehicles of people with disabilities. DRA TN is now working on toilets to be put up in an area closest to the pathway. Work will begin on this shortly.

The next project will be to make Thiruvanmiyur Beach wheelchair accessible, and a tender for the same is said to have been issued.

The scheme aims to reduce the financial burden on the public, particularly those requiring continuous medication for conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Pharmacies will offer a 25% discount on medicines, ensuring affordability for all.

To establish these 1,000 pharmacies, financial assistance of ₹3 lakh per unit was provided to self-help groups, while cooperative institutions received ₹2 lakh each. Medicine supplies will be managed by Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation (TNMSC) and Tamil Nadu Consumer Cooperative Federation, ensuring efficient stock distribution through 38 regional warehouses.

The scheme also creates 1,000 new job opportunities for B.Pharm and D.Pharm graduates. Additionally, specialised training programs were conducted for pharmacists and cooperative society staff.

During the event, CM Stalin also distributed loans to women’s self-help groups under the “Wings for the Third Gender” scheme. Ministers K.R. Periyakaruppan, Ma. Subramanian, P.K. Sekar Babu, Chennai Mayor R. Priya, MPs, MLAs, and senior officials attended the inauguration.

Here are the locations where Mudhalvar Marunthagam is operational in Chennai:

• Konnur High Road, Ayanavaram
• R.V. Nagar Last Main Road, Kodungaiyur
• Mannarsami Kovil Street, Pulianthope
• Tirupati Koodal Road, Kalaivanarnagar, Ambattur
• Govindan Street, Mettupalayam, Arundhatiyar Nagar
• Gandhi Street, K.M. Nagar, Kodungaiyur
• Karpaga Vinayagar Kovil Street, Chennai
• Nattu Pillaiyar Kovil Street, Seven Wells
• Kalyanapuram Street, Choolaimedu
• Chamiars Road, Nandanam
• Landons Road, Kilpauk
• Kamarajapuram, Pandithurai Street, Velachery
• Veeraraghava Rao Street, Triplicane
• Corporation Building, Littel Mount, Velachery Main Road
• Near Nagesh Theatre, T. Nagar
• Sundaram Street, Raja Annamalaipuram
• Luz Church Road, Mylapore
• Chelliamman Nagar Main Road, Durga Nagar, Tambaram
• Bharathi Nagar 2nd Street, P.V.N. Ration Shop, Pallavaram Taluk
• Shanthi Nagar, 3rd Street, Chromepet
• Mandaveli Street, Puzhuthivakkam Bus Stand
• New Bethany Nagar Main Road, Valasaravakkam
• Vanagaram Main Road, Alapakkam
• Padhuvancheri Main Road, Periyar Nagar, Madambakkam
• Kamaraj Highway, Old Perungalathur
• 10th Block, East Mugappair
• V.O.C. Makkaram Thottam, Kolathur
• 15th Main Road, Anna Nagar West
• 80 Feet Road, Kumaran Nagar, Peravallur
• 4th Main Road, Ayanambakkam
• Thulukanathamman Kovil Street, Venkadapuram, Ambattur
• 3rd Main Road, Narayanasami Garden, Selavoyal
• Perumal Kovil Street, Saduma Nagar, Thiruvottiyur
• 2nd Main Road, Mathur, MMDA
• Andiyappan Street, Vannarapettai
• 8th Street, Beach Road, Ennore
• Balasubramaniam Road, Periyar Nagar, Kolathur
• P.N.R. Road, Old Vannarapettai, Periyar Nagar, Kolathur

Carnatic vocalist Dr Nithyasree Mahadevan and retired IPS officer Archana Ramasundaram flagged off the event. The initiative was led by the NABH-certified Radhatri Nethralaya and supported by Rotary.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 300 people, including individuals from diverse age groups and walks of life. Students from Queen Mary’s College and Shasun Jain College joined the walkathon in large numbers, along with women auto drivers, demonstrating a strong community spirit.

Rotarians C.Muthusamy, Dr.K.P.Vijayakumar, and Vanaja Krishnamoorthy played pivotal roles in coordinating the programme, ensuring its smooth execution and widespread impact.

The hospital was inaugurated by Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ma. Subramanian, while Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments P.K. Sekar Babu launched a scheme offering 100 free heart surgeries to eligible patients. The event was attended by actor Sivakumar, Chairman Dr. K. Veluswamy, Founder Dr. S. Chandralekha, and Managing Director Dr. Arun Muthuvel.

Dr. Veluswamy emphasised the hospital’s vision of providing comprehensive speciality services, while Dr. Chandralekha highlighted its commitment to making world-class healthcare affordable. Dr. Arun Muthuvel added, “We are proud to offer 100 free heart surgeries to mark our launch, reflecting our dedication to compassionate, patient-centred care.”

The hospital integrates sustainable healthcare practices and eco-friendly systems, setting benchmarks in affordability, accessibility, and innovation, reinforcing Tamil Nadu’s reputation as a leader in world-class medical care.

More than 50 participants joined the programme and celebrated the recently UNGA declared International Day. Meditation and yoga were conducted by Prof.Balakrishnan, Prof.Nayanar, Prof.Bhavani and Prof.Sugirthakumar – yoga teachers from MVKM Trust. 

Tea and snacks were distributed to all participants. All yoga teachers were honoured. Prof.R.Thanasekaran – Secretary of ECBWA thanked all participants. 

Held at the Dr. M.G.R. Film and Television Training Institute, the event fostered awareness, empathy, and action. Key highlights of the event included:

• Panel Discussion: Moderated by P.C.Ramakrishna, the discussion featured thought-provoking insights from eminent dignitaries, including film director Mani Ratnam, and celebrated Bharatnatyam exponent Padmashri Leela Samson. The panel emphasised the importance of destigmatising dementia and fostering community care.
• Photography Awards: The winners of the TDCF and CPB Learning Lab photography contest were honoured for their exceptional visual storytelling, capturing the strength, love, and resilience of caregivers.

The event underscored TDCF’s mission to provide holistic support to individuals with dementia and their families, which was further highlighted through its initiatives like cognitive stimulation therapy, daycare services with shuttle service for patients and 24/7 inpatient care. The event successfully fostered awareness, empathy, and community support for caregivers and patients alike.

The distinguished guests and panellists inspired the audience to contribute towards creating a more understanding and inclusive society for those affected by dementia.

For more information about TDCF’s programs and upcoming events, checkout http://thedementiacarefoundation.com.

Chief guest actor Harish Kalyan praised the survivors for their courage and determination, “Their journey is not just about overcoming a disease; it’s about redefining strength and hope. It’s an honour to witness their incredible resilience.”

The match celebrated the survivors’ recovery milestones and emphasised the importance of life after cancer. Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Kauvery Group of Hospitals, shared, “This event reflects the strength of the human spirit. At Kauvery, we support our patients beyond treatment, helping them rebuild their lives. Today’s match was a celebration of their victories.”

The event also raised awareness about men’s cancer health, highlighting the rise in prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers. It emphasised early detection and regular screenings as crucial for timely intervention.

Rotary Club North supported the camp and brought in paramedics and doctors from Rajan Eye Care, Sri Ramachandra Hospital (Dental), and Kauvery Mobile Wellness Clinic.

The camp lasted from 8 am to 4 pm, and more than 125 people, including Urbesar-Sumeet conservancy staff and others in the adjoining areas, availed the services and received free medicines. The hospitals came forward to make the procedures (filling teeth and cataract surgery) completely free for the patients.