In a big step towards grassroots healthcare, the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government has launched a Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) in Patiala, bringing essential medical services directly to the doorsteps of the citizens in rural and underserved areas.
The unit was flagged off at village Majri Akaliyan in Patiala by Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh, with support from Fusion Finance Ltd. and implemented by HelpAge India. The move reiterates the state government’s commitment to provide critical care to patients, especially the elderly and economically weaker sections, within the golden hour.
What the MMU Provides
It is a fully equipped medical van offering a complete package of services free of charge, including consultations with qualified MBBS doctors, multiple diagnostic tests and a wide range of free medicines. Special emphasis is laid on the senior citizens, women and patients in remote villages who face problems in reaching hospitals on their own. If you are unable to travel, home visits can also be arranged.
A Growing Network
This Patiala unit adds to the expanding MMU fleet of Punjab. Currently, there are over 66 Mobile Medical Units working across the state – supported by The Hans Foundation, National Health Mission (NHM) and corporate CSR partners. These units have a massive on-ground impact as reflected in the fact that from April 2024 to January 2025, these units treated 4.40 lakh patients through OPD services and conducted 1.39 lakh diagnostic tests.
Part of a Bigger Mission
The MMU launch is a piece of a much bigger jig-saw of healthcare that the Bhagwant Mann government is putting together. Aam Aadmi Clinics have treated more than 2.86 crore people, saving Punjabis over Rs 1,500 crore in out-of-pocket expenses. The Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana is saving families from crippling medical debt, and new medical colleges are being established at Lehragaga and Mastuana Sahib to promote specialist care in Punjab.
The Mann government has deployed every van and opened every clinic, and the message is clear: distance and poverty will no longer be obstacles to healthcare in Punjab.
