For the disadvantaged, the impoverished and the hapless, access to basic healthcare services is a critical need. All too often, people without insurance or permanent residence seek out treatment only when they are seriously ill or require emergency treatment.

The community outreach Mobile Health Care Services was designed to bring healthcare into the doorsteps and within easy reach of people who are in need of primary care. The goal is to provide the treatment that will prevent minor illnesses and injuries from becoming major health problems.

By making health care immediately accessible, the project is achieving to improve the health of the less fortunate in the community and reduce reliance on costly Emergency Department and acute care services.

The programme has become a model on its own. All services are delivered free of charge. The mobile health van is staffed by an advanced practice Doctor that is assisted by trained volunteers. The van makes regularly scheduled visits to designated areas.

The health staff provides primary care for patients who require treatment for minor illnesses and injuries. Patients who have more serious disorders and need testing or more intensive treatment are referred to other hospital-based services, through the Mobile Ambulance facility which is readily available at the time of the clinic.

Composed of a social worker, paramedical workers and doctor the Mobile Health Team (MHT) visits the project villages periodically to provide support and facilitate development activities. The MHT serves as the liaison between village and health centre. New project villages are visited regularly while growing self-sufficiency, capacity and leadership within the older villages eliminate the need for frequent follow-ups and consultation.

During regular morning visits, families are seen together with the village health worker and members of the various Community-Based Organizations (CBOs). Specific health and socioeconomic issues are dealt with. Problems needing solution beyond the team’s level are referred to the health centre. In the evenings, the team visits villages and holds various meetings of the different community groups to discuss relevant issues.

The program is thankful to ‘Health & Family Welfare Department’, Govt. of West Bengal for assisting us with financial support, allowing us to expand our efforts and help us reach greater numbers of the disadvantaged who live in the outreach and inaccessible areas of South Bengal.