Mobile Medical Units: An alternate Pathway to address the burden of Non Communicable disease in Urban Slums of India

Abstract

Background: In India despite the increase in health coverage, a small but significant proportion of people in several parts of the country still do not get access to health care services. Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) are a key service strategy to reach such vulnerable population. The present study intends to know the socio-demographic profile of population attending the MMU and the prevalence of Non-Communicable disease (NCD) among them. Materials and Methods: The MMU are located at five different locations in two states. The MMU is equipped to provide primary health care services, essential lab investigations, medications and counselling. The secondary data of beneficiaries attending the MMU during March 2018 to March 2019 was analysed. Results: A total of 84,239 beneficiaries attended the MMU, which comprised of 39 % males and 61% females. There were 55,934 beneficiaries aged 30 years and above. Out of these majority (62.6%) were females and 44.4% beneficiaries were aged between 30 to 45 years. The prevalence of Diabetes and Hypertension among the beneficiaries above 30 years of age was 38.8% and 46.2%respectively. Conclusion: MMU can help in delivering quality health services to the vulnerable population and help early diagnosis of NCD.