A large number of elders in rural areas are not able to seek medical help due to variety of economic and social problems. GMRVF has joined hands with HelpAge India to run Mobile Medical Units in Rajahmundry, Shamshabad and Warora to provide medical facilities to elders.

The MMU Van visits the designated communities on a regular basis and offers various services such as medical consultation, dispensing of medicines, counseling etc. for elders. The MMU staff also make house visits to provide health services to the elders who require palliative care. The unit also refers beneficiaries to various health institutions in case of need. The MMU program enables the elders to play an active role in the society by promoting healthy and active ageing.

Highlights

• MMUs provide free check-ups and medicine to people of 60+ age group. They also attend to lower age groups in case of emergencies or if mobility of the patient is a problem.
• MMU is a van equipped with basic facilities and has a doctor, pharmacist and social worker from HelpAge, medicines and basic medical equipments.
• There are nodal points at each location. The van visits each nodal point once in a week.
• The major ailments dealt with are Osteoarthritis, Hypertension, Chronic Obstructive Airway Disease and Dyspepsia etc.
• MMUs not only provide health facilities to the old, but also conduct medical camps which benefit people of all age groups.
• Good relationships have been developed with many referral hospitals for providing qualitative health services to the poor at low cost.
• Community members, especially youth are coming forward to assist in the working of the MMUs.

Case Study

Relief from Suffering!
G. Ratnam, a 65 year old widow, belongs to Kadiam village near Rajahmundry. She spent all her life working as a daily wage labour and was hardly able to save any money for her old age. As she crossed 60, a chronic ulcer developed on her right foot and she was unable to walk properly. As she has no one to take care of her, she used to suffer a lot. The introduction of Mobile Medical Unit in her village proved a blessing to her. She sought the help of MMU and got required medicines and dietary advice. Her ulcer was completely cured and now she is able to walk without any pain.