New Path to Health for Remote Tribal Regions — CM Sai Flags Off 57 Mobile Medical Unit Vehicles

Raipur, December 31

Healthcare services will now reach the doorsteps of people living in remote and densely forested tribal areas. Under PM-JANMAN, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai flagged off 57 Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) vehicles in Nava Raipur on Wednesday. The event was attended by Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, cabinet members, public representatives, and departmental officials.
With the operation of these Mobile Medical Units, preparations are complete to deliver regular healthcare to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). The government believes that since communities in inaccessible areas face immense difficulty in reaching hospitals, this system will bring medical facilities directly to their villages and habitations.
The deployment of these MMUs will ensure regular health services reach over 2,100 villages and settlements across 18 districts of the state. This will directly benefit a PVTG population of over two lakh people.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai stated that families living in hilly and difficult terrains will now have access to treatment and diagnostic facilities within their own villages. He described this initiative as a “solid foundation for the holistic participation and health security” of tribal communities.
“This is a day of pride for Chhattisgarh,” CM Sai said. “The people belonging to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups are those who are economically, socially, and educationally backward. Out of Chhattisgarh’s 3 crore population, 2.30 lakh people from PVTGs reside in 2,100 settlements across 18 districts. These MMUs will prove to be a boon for them.” These 57 fully-equipped units will feature a doctor, nurse, lab technician, and local volunteers. They will offer 25 types of diagnostic tests and 106 types of medicines free of cost.
The Chief Minister extended his congratulations and best wishes for the new scheme to Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, CGMSC Chairman Shri Deepak Mhaske, and all concerned officials and staff.
Speaking on the occasion, Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai are committed to the upliftment of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups. “These MMUs are for those remote forest regions where healthcare access is limited. Today, we dedicate 57 units to the state, fulfilling PM Modi’s vision.” He thanked the Prime Minister for allowing Chhattisgarh to contribute as a partner in this noble cause.
Health Secretary Shri Amit Kataria noted that PM Narendra Modi launched the PM-JANMAN scheme on November 15, 2023, for the socio-economic upliftment of PVTGs. The goal is to bring basic amenities directly to settlements. He added that in emergencies, these units will make it easier to transport patients to the nearest health centers. “Our goal is not just to provide machines, but to ensure the availability of skilled and sensitive staff,” he said. Each unit is staffed with a physician, nurse, lab technician, pharmacist, and a local health volunteer. These units will organize health camps every 15 days, providing screenings for over 25 conditions, treating illnesses, and distributing medicines. Serious patients will be referred to the nearest health institutions as needed.
It is noteworthy that in the past, a lack of resources often prevented healthcare services from reaching remote areas regularly. Now, with the availability of new vehicles and trained personnel, this system will operate continuously. This initiative will specifically help in the timely identification and prevention of issues like TB, Malaria, Anemia, and Malnutrition.