‘Doctor vans’ a ray of hope for rural patients in Gorakhpur

Gorakhpur: Medical vans, known as ‘doctor vans’ in rural areas of Gorakhpur, have come as a ray of hope for people who were till recently deprived of proper medical facilities.


On March 19 this year, five medical vans were started in Gorakhpur under National Health Mission which have provided medical treatment to more than 37,609 patients.

Nodal officer, NHM, Pankaj Anand said: “A medical van is mobile medical care unit which covers distant and remote areas. It is a moving OPD and provides facilities like pathological tests and medicines. Each medical van has a doctor, lab technician, pharmacist, nurse and pilot.”

“Till August 19, at least 37,609 patients have been treated in OPD and 4,385 lab tests done in mobile medical units. No case has been referred so far,” he added.

He said an MoU had been signed between the state government and Kria Healthcare regarding medical van. “It is a joint venture of state and central government,” he added.

Project coordinator Madhurendu Shukla said, “In case a patient is critical, he is referred to CHC/PHC or district hospital as per requirement.”

Binda (53) of Teeyar village said, “Medical van comes to our village once in two weeks. It is difficult for me to go to hospital. I got treatment through medical van. They gave me medicines too.”