The “Smile on Wheel,” a mobile hospital for the underprivileged, was flagged off by Kalahandi Collector Dr Brinda D here last week. Odisha Voluntery Health Association (OVHA) with support of Smile Foundation and Tata Trusts provided the the mobile health unit for most remote panchayats of Thuamul Rampur block in Kalahandi. The motto was to provide health services to one of the most backward blocks not only of Kalahandi, but also in the State.
The unit was to cover unreached tribal and Dalit pockets of five panchayats such as Thuamul Rampur, Dumerpadar, Mahupatna, Badachhatrang and Padepadar of T Rampur block of Kalahandi.
It is very difficult for the villagers of Mahulpatna and Padepadar to avail health service as the PHC Adri is far off due to the reservoir and the CHC at Rampur also is also 35 km away without any regular public transport facility. Similarly, there are another two panchayats, Dumerpadar and Badchhatrang, which also face same challenges. Due to lack of the telecommunication, the patients requiring immediate medical attention can not avail the service although 108 facility is now available at CHC T Rampur.