ROURKELA: Mobile medical vans (MMVs) are gradually bringing a positive change in the grim healthcare scenario at inaccessible and tribal-dominated pockets of Sundargarh district. Launched on April 1 this year, these vans are taking primary healthcare services to the doorsteps of poor rural population in 53 remote gram panchayats under 10 mining affected blocks with funding from the District Mineral Foundation (DMF). The MMVs would operate for two years till the local administration augments road connectivity to these areas. According to reports, `7.70 crore has been earmarked for two years with each MMV incurring cost of ` 2.14 lakh per month. An NGO of Madhya Pradesh - Community Action Through Motivation Programme (CAMP) - has been engaged to run the vans with own manpower.
On July 8, an MMV reached the malaria-prone Bahamba village of Tensa gram panchayat under Koida block and examined 25 persons of whom, 15 were found malaria positive. A day later, 59 pregnant women were screened for ailments at K Balang area of Koida block through an MMV. Usually, for people of these remote areas, travelling to block headquarters to visit a government health centre is an expensive affair. Each MMV operates for at least 25 days in a month on a designated route and covers 30 to 50 rural patients daily camping at weekly market places or densely populated villages.
Sundargarh Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) SB Naik informed that medical officers in 10 blocks monitor the functioning of the MMVs on a regular basis. He said the MMVs are equipped to treat minor ailments, communicable diseases, a few non-communicable diseases, conduct blood test, distribute free medicines, boost maternal and child health, organise health awareness and immunisation drives in villages located at difficult terrains. Critical cases are referred to government health centres for better treatment.
The MMVs are fitted with a tracking software application and equipment to deliver primary health services. Each MMV has an MBBS doctor, a nurse, pharmacist and a driver.