Mellinam is the maiden global grant project of RCMCP that is aimed to create awareness and for early detection of breast cancer among Indian women, for which the club has entered into a has three-way tie-up — with four Colleges of Nursing for screening, Rotary Clubs for funds and a NGO for further treatment.

The pilot project was rolled out at four Public Health Centres in the City during the first week of February that saw distribution of pamphlets, creating awareness through ‘Villupattu’ and feedback from customers.

As per the proposed plan, the club plans to screen about 14,000 women over a period of 12 months. The first month itself saw about 1,000 women getting screened and the numbers are set to increase in the coming days.

RCMCP is the lead club for this Rs.37.50 lakh global grant project. Rotary Club of Catarqui, Canada is the international partner, while Rotary Club of Madras North East local partner.

The breast screening was done with a help of a handheld device called ibreast, specially procured from the U.S-based UE LifeSciences. The US based firm also imparted training.

RCMCP President Senthan Amuthan along with Secretary K. Sathyanarayanan, Global Grant chair Praveen Mehra and Club Rotary Foundation chairman R. Saptagiri inaugurated the event at M.A. Chidambaram College of Nursing, while past president Raja Sriraam and president elect N. Anand took part in the inaugural function of Madha College of Nursing.

Community Service Director Health R. Srinivasan commenced the proceedings at Shree Balaji College of Nursing. Past presidents Suryabaskar and Prabhakar rolled out the programme in Omayal Achi College of Nursing.