The Assam government has joined hands with The Hans Foundation (THF) to provide quality healthcare to tea garden communities by rolling out 40 medical vans equipped with all facilities to diagnose and offer basic treatment across 120 gardens.
The labour welfare department and THF have recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to launch the Hans Mobile Medical Unit Project in the 120 most vulnerable tea gardens of Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts.
“A government cannot look after each and every citizen even if it tries hard. This project is going to be a long-term one, which will offer quality healthcare to one of the most deprived communities of the state,” principal secretary of the labour welfare department, B. Kalyan Chakravarthy, told PTI.
Terming the development as one of the most satisfying, he said this initiative would extend the reach of healthcare among the tea garden communities.
“There is another aspect. We often hear that the people from tea gardens usually fall prey to sorcerers in case of illness due to a lack of adequate health facilities in interior places. We aim to curb that too. Modern medical facilities will now be available at their doorsteps through these vans,” Chakravarthy said.
He, however, said the existing healthcare set-up or clinics operated by respective tea garden managements would continue and the new programme would only enhance the ongoing system.
According to the MoU, which is initially for five years, a total of 40 medical vans equipped with healthcare professionals will provide regular check-ups, treatments and preventive care to tea garden workers and their families in Tinsukia and Dibrugarh.
This initiative aims to enhance healthcare access and outcomes in the region, initially covering 120 tea gardens, 60 in each district.
“The mobile medical units will offer a comprehensive package of services, including OPD consultations, free medicines, diagnostic tests, counselling and awareness sessions. We will start the first batch of 24 vehicles from July 1,” THF regional senior manager Krishna told PTI.
Additionally, home visits for the elderly and persons with disabilities as well as referrals to tertiary care centres for critical patients will be part of the services provided, he added.
“In the second phase, we will add 16 more vehicles, taking the total to 40 vans. Each van will have five persons — doctor, nurse, pharmacist, laboratory technician and driver. The services will work 22 days a month,” Krishna said.
He said each van required ₹50 lakh to have all the equipment installed. Considering all the 40 vehicles, around ₹20 crore will be required for this project and it will be fully funded by THF.
PTI
