Truck drivers to get free health services through MMU in Cachar

Not everyday truck drivers who traverse thousands of kilometers in his lifetime can find a mobile medical unit at his disposal. This breed of professionals, who drive, day in and day out are vulnerable to the most possible health hazards. As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Piramal Swasthya Management and Research Institute (PSMRI) based in Hyderabad and ably supported by Piramal Foundation, in collaboration with Shriram Transport Finance Company Limited, launched a Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) today in Silchar amidst a host of dignitaries hailing such move.

A first of its kind in Northeast with Kamrup district to launch such facility in September, this MMU would cater to truck drivers, their helpers and even to other members of their community, twice a month, absolutely free of cost.

Speaking to Northeast Now, Zonal Manager of Piramal Swasthya Management and Research Institute Abhijit Bhattacharjee said, “Our objective is to improve the overall health of the truckers, encourage health seeking behaviour among truck drivers. Mobile Medical Unit would have one trained doctor, one nurse, one pharmacist and a driver in this van. The focus would be on non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, treatment of common ailments and minor ailments. The services will also focus on early identification, screening, referral, follow up and dispersal of medicines for effective disease management.”

“Based on the screening and diagnosis done by the doctor, the prescribed medicines shall be dispensed free of cost. This Mobile Medical Unit will have a pre-defined calendar and route plan for delivering the services covering 11 locations of Cachar district,” Bhattacharjee said.

He added, each location would be covered twice a month and they have plans to add more services in the days to come.

Rajib Roy, in-charge of Health Services in Cachar district, said, “It is a splendid move by PSMRI and I must congratulate them for their thoughts of taking medical care right up to the doorsteps of a truck and its driver. They shall not only take care of their health services, but help the handyman as well as family members of these drivers. It is a splendid move.”