Sansad Mobile Swasthya Seva: Ensuring last mile primary healthcare coverage
Asptal – Sansad Mobile Swasthya Seva is a movement to provide free primary healthcare service in the remotest location of Himachal Pradesh.
The primary healthcare service that was started with 3 Mobile Medical Units, today proudly stands with a fleet of 32 MMUs, offering its services across the State of Himachal Pradesh.
The service has been operational since April 2018 and offers a host of 40 different medical tests such as KFT, LFT, Lipid Profile, Creatinine, Uric Acid, BUN, Sugar, Glucose, etc. In addition to this, medicines too are provided to the patients, free of cost.
Why: Ensuring access and a healthy society
While witnessing the elderly mothers trek long distances up hills to access medical treatment, to farmers being compelled to sacrifice a day’s wage to seek treatment in towns, lives in the hilly terrains are profoundly affected due to the lack of accessible primary healthcare.
Though, in recent years, India has made significant strides in enhancing last-mile healthcare accessibility. Initiatives like Ayushman Bharat have played a pivotal role in ensuring inclusivity in healthcare access.
However, despite these advancements, geographical challenges persist, hindering improved access for individuals residing in remote areas.
Thus, recognizing the urgent need to address primary healthcare issues in Himachal Pradesh, the call to action for Asptal – Sansad Mobile Swasthya Seva was initiated.
What: Health is a birthright
Asptal – Sansad Mobile Swasthya Seva started with the noble goal of ensuring that every individual, regardless of their socio-economic status, has access to essential healthcare services.
By offering primary healthcare services free of cost, the initiative has worked towards eliminating financial barriers that often prevent individuals from seeking timely medical assistance. This accessibility has ensured that even the most vulnerable members of the community can receive the care they need to lead healthy and productive lives.
With access to regular check-ups, preventive screenings, and timely treatment for common ailments, people have been able to better manage their health and prevent the progression of diseases.
Beyond the realm of healthcare, the initiative has played a crucial role in empowering communities. By fostering a culture of health and well-being, it encourages individuals to take ownership of their health and actively participate in preventive measures. Community members are not only recipients of healthcare services but also active participants in health education programs and awareness campaigns. This empowerment has instilled a sense of pride and self-reliance within the community.
By ensuring access to essential healthcare services, improving health outcomes, reducing financial burdens, empowering communities, the initiative has transformed the lives of local people in profound and meaningful ways.
Each Mobile Medical Unit is equipped with an experienced team including doctor, nurse, lab technician and MMU pilot.
Key Milestones:
It is heartening to share that the primary healthcare service commenced in April 2018 with three (3) Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) and has now increased to 32 MMUs.
- The one’s being benefited maximum from this campaign are Women and Senior Citizens, who often find it difficult to travel elsewhere to seek medical assistance.
- 65% of beneficiaries at Asptal are women. Asptal is also a key provider of employment to women with 50% of staff being women employees.
- On the go – providing services in times of COVID-19 pandemic
- In the earnest quest to contribute towards India’s fight against Coronavirus, Asptal – Sansad Mobile Swasthya Seva has been at the forefront working on ground to curb the pandemic.
