Healthcare Reaches Doorsteps of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups
PM Janman Yojana Transforming the Face of Remote Forest Areas
Raipur (thestates.news) | In the remote forested belts and hilly terrains of Chhattisgarh, predominantly inhabited by Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), the State Government’s Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) service has emerged as a lifeline. Turning the vision of “healthcare at the doorstep” into reality, the initiative has delivered medical services to as many as 2,035 people within their own habitations over the past three and a half months.
No More Going Long Distances on Foot for Basic Treatment
Earlier, villagers in these regions were compelled to walk several miles even for basic medical care. Operational since January 15, 2026, under the Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana, the Mobile Medical Units have been consistently conducting camps in Kamaar-dominated villages such as Baldakchhar and Aurai, along with other settlements in the Kasdol area. Residents of these remote hamlets no longer need to undertake exhausting journeys to urban centres for treatment.
Comprehensive Care Under One Roof
These mobile healthcare units are equipped to function as fully operational, moving clinics. Each unit is staffed by a trained team comprising a Medical Officer, a Lab Technician, a Nurse and a Driver. Essential diagnostic services including blood pressure, blood sugar, malaria and haemoglobin tests are conducted on-site free of cost. Alongside expert medical consultations, medicines are also being provided free to patients.
Planned Outreach and Traditional Announcements
The administration prepares a monthly schedule in advance, specifying the dates and locations of camps. To ensure timely dissemination of information, traditional methods such as ‘munadi’ (public announcements made by beating drums) are employed across villages. This has generated considerable enthusiasm among the local population. Villagers say that earlier, long queues at hospitals and limited transport options would consume an entire day. With medical services now available nearby, both time and money are being saved significantly.
From Tradition to Trust in Modern Medicine
One of the significant impacts of the initiative has been a gradual shift in community mindset. Members of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, who once relied solely on traditional healers such as Baiga-Gunia or herbal remedies, are increasingly placing their trust in modern healthcare systems. There is a visible change in behaviour, with people opting for timely diagnosis and treatment instead of concealing illnesses.
