Three-year initiative to strengthen health access, social protection and sustainable livelihoods for rural women in Tamil Nadu
Omega Forum for Social Impact (OFSI), the social impact arm of Omega Healthcare, has launched a three-year integrated development initiative focused on advancing women’s health, social security and livelihoods in rural Tamil Nadu. The project, Building Health, Social Security and Livelihoods for Rural Women, was inaugurated on 25 February 2026 at Sri Chithanathar Thirumanamandabham, Thiruchuli, in partnership with Swasti-The Health Catalyst.
Designed for the aspirational district of Virudhunagar, the project will be implemented across the Thiruchuli and Aruppukottai blocks over a period of three years. Adopting an integrated, community-led approach, the initiative seeks to address critical gaps in primary healthcare access, social protection coverage, and sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural women.
The launch event brought together representatives from the district administration, public health system, academia, corporate leadership, and farmer collectives, reflecting a strong multi-stakeholder partnership.
Speaking at the launch, Ms. Sunanda, CEO, Omega Forum for Social Impact (OFSI), underscored the transformative role of women in community development, stating, “Women’s empowerment is the most reliable driver of social change because women reinvest knowledge, income, and opportunity back into their families and communities.”
As Chief Guest, Mr. Narayanan V, Senior Vice President – RM, Omega Healthcare, reflected on the district’s legacy of social progress, noting, “Virudhunagar has a strong tradition of social investment. As the birthplace of K. Kamaraj, it showed the nation how education can transform society. Today, investing in women carries that legacy forward.”
Addressing the gathering as Guest of Honour, Mr. Antony Eapen, Director – HRBP, Omega Healthcare, highlighted the collective commitment behind the initiative, stating, “This three-year project represents a shared commitment of corporates, communities, and women leaders. I wish it every success and hope it becomes a model for empowerment across rural India.”
Over three years, the project aims to improve access to basic healthcare for 30,000 women, support 22,500 women to access government welfare schemes such as health insurance and pensions, and promote sustainable livelihoods for 150 women through goat rearing, supported by training and a revolving fund. It will also strengthen collective enterprise by linking women’s groups with Meshavaram Agricultural Producer Company Limited and building local leadership to ensure sustainability.
By placing rural women at the centre of development efforts, the project seeks to create lasting, community-owned impact and improve the quality of life in Virudhunagar district.
