Remote Tribal Regions Get a New Health Lifeline: CM Sai Flags Off 57 Mobile Medical Units
Raipur, December 31
Healthcare services are now set to reach the doorsteps of people living in remote and densely forested tribal regions of Chhattisgarh. Under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) scheme, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday flagged off 57 Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) vehicles at Nava Raipur.
With the rollout of these Mobile Medical Units, preparations are now complete to ensure regular healthcare services for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Keeping in view the difficulties faced by communities in reaching hospitals from remote areas, the government believes that this initiative will deliver essential health services directly to villages and habitations.
The deployment of these MMUs will ensure regular healthcare coverage for more than 2,100 villages and habitations across 18 districts of the State. Over two lakh people belonging to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups are expected to benefit directly from this initiative.
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that families living in hilly and inaccessible regions will now have access to medical examination and treatment facilities within their own villages. He described the initiative as a “strong foundation for comprehensive participation and health security of tribal communities.”
Calling it a proud day for Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister said that the most socially, economically and educationally marginalized sections of society belong to the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups. Out of the state’s population of nearly three crore, around 2.30 lakh PVTG individuals reside across 2,100 habitations in 18 districts. These Mobile Medical Units will prove to be a boon for them. Through the 57 fully equipped MMUs, healthcare delivery in such areas will become significantly easier. Each unit will have a doctor, nurse, laboratory technician and local volunteers. The units will offer 25 types of diagnostic tests and provide 106 types of medicines free of cost.
Chief Minister congratulated Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, CGMSC Chairman Shri Deepak Mhaske, and all officials and staff associated with the initiative for the successful launch of the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, Health Minister Shri Shyam Bihari Jaiswal said that both Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai are working with commitment for the upliftment of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups. He stated that the Mobile Medical Units are meant for remote forest areas where access to healthcare has remained limited. Dedicating all 57 MMUs to the state, he said the initiative will help realize the vision of the Prime Minister. He also expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for giving Chhattisgarh the opportunity to contribute to this significant national effort.
Health Secretary Shri Amit Kataria said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the PM-JANMAN scheme on November 15, 2023, with the objective of ensuring the social and economic upliftment of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups. The aim is to deliver basic facilities directly to habitations. He said that in emergency situations, patients will be easily referred to nearby health centers through these units. The focus, he added, is not only on equipment but also on ensuring the availability of skilled and sensitive human resources. Each MMU is staffed with a doctor, nurse, laboratory technician, pharmacist and local health volunteers. These units will organize health camps every 15 days, offering more than 25 types of diagnostic tests, treatment for various ailments and distribution of essential medicines. Serious patients will be referred to the nearest health institutions as required.
Meanwhile, earlier, due to a lack of resources, regular healthcare services were unable to reach remote regions consistently. With the availability of new vehicles and trained personnel, this system will now function continuously. The initiative is expected to aid in the timely detection and prevention of diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, anemia and malnutrition. Cabinet ministers, public representatives, along with other senior officials were also present on the occasion.