PUNJAB HEALTH MINISTER LAUNCHES 10 NEW MOBILE MEDICAL UNITS TO BOOST RURAL HEALTHCARE ACCESS

PUNJAB HEALTH MINISTER LAUNCHES 10 NEW MOBILE MEDICAL UNITS TO BOOST RURAL HEALTHCARE ACCESS

— LAUNCHED IN COLLABORATION WITH HANS FOUNDATION, MMUs TO SERVE MANSA AND BATHINDA DISTRICTS

— A TOTAL OF 77 MMUs OPERATIONAL IN PUNJAB, OFFERING FREE CONSULTATIONS, TESTS, MEDICINES

— MMUS TAKE HEALTHCARE A STEP FURTHER BY BRINGING MEDICAL SERVICES DIRECTLY TO PEOPLE’S DOORSTEPS: DR BALBIR SINGH

Chandigarh, February 24:

In yet another move aimed at strengthening healthcare accessibility, particularly in rural and underserved areas as desired by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab's Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh flagged-off 10 Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) from Punjab Bhawan here on Monday. He was accompanied Punjab Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO and MLAs from Mansa and Bathinda districts.

These units, launched in collaboration with The Hans Foundation, aim to bring essential medical services directly to the doorsteps of residents in rural areas.

Divulging details, Dr Balbir Singh said that these fully-equipped mobile vans have been allocated to the districts of Mansa and Bathinda, ensuring that underserved populations receive timely and quality healthcare at their doorsteps. The MMUs provide a wide range of services, including free medical consultations with MBBS doctors, 40 types of diagnostic tests, 220 types of free medicines, specialised health awareness camps, and home visits for patients unable to reach healthcare facilities, he said.

He said that these units will serve two villages daily, prioritising accessibility and convenience for residents of rural areas.    "These MMUs will eliminate the need for people to travel long distances for medical care, ensuring that quality healthcare is available right at their doorstep," he added.

The Health Minister also praised The Hans Foundation and other NGOs, referring to them as "angel investors" for their invaluable contributions to Punjab’s healthcare system and society at large. 

Pertinently, at present 66 MMUs are operational across Punjab, including 51 MMUs supported by The Hans Foundation, 13 MMUs under the National Health Mission (NHM), 1 MMU sponsored by ICICI Bank, and 1 MMU operated by the NGO "Doctors for You.” From April 2024 to January 2025, these units have treated 4.40 lakh patients through OPD services and conducted 1.39 lakh diagnostic tests.

Highlighting the success of Aam Aadmi Clinics, Dr Balbir Singh noted that more than 2.86 crore people have benefited from these clinics, leading to savings of over ₹1,500 crore in out-of-pocket medical expenses for Punjabis. These mobile units take healthcare a step further by bringing medical services directly to people's doorsteps, eliminating the need for them to travel, he said.

The flag-off ceremony was attended by MLA Budhlada Principal Budh Ram, MLA Bhucho Mandi Master Jagseer Singh, MLA Sardulgarh Gurpreet Singh Banawali,

MLA Rampura Phul Balkar Singh Sidhu, MLA Bathinda Urban Jagroop Singh Gill,
MLA Bathinda Rural Amit Rattan Kotfatta,
MLA Mansa Vijay Singla, Principal Secretary of Health Kumar Rahul, Director of Health and Family Welfare Dr Hitinder Kaur, Director of Family Welfare Dr Jasminder, Assistant Director Dr Rajesh Bhaskar, and representatives of The Hans Foundation.

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