Vice-President of India Launches the 50th Mobile Medical Clinic by Aster Volunteers

KOCHI:
Aster Volunteers, the global CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) arm of Aster DM Healthcare, launched two IoT-enhanced Mobile Medical Clinics with Tele-Medicine Services to provide free medical care to underserved populations in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, and Kalaburagi in Karnataka, which will take the total number of Mobile Clinics by Aster Volunteers to 50.

The units were flagged off by Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, in the presence of Alisha Moopen, Managing Director and Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare, Anoop Moopen, Director of Aster DM Healthcare Ltd and TJ Wilson, Executive Director & Group Head – Corporate Governance, Aster DM Healthcare Ltd. Prabal Pratap Singh Tomar, Vice President of the Indian Lawn Tennis Association & Delhi President of Mixed Martial Arts, who has agreed to volunteer, will extend his support to further help this initiative reach the rural areas across the country. The launch is an important step in an ongoing initiative by Aster Volunteers, aimed at improving access to medical care for marginalized communities across the North India region and beyond.

The new mobile units are custom built on Ashok Leyland Mitr 7 meter long Chassis, equipped with IoT-integrated telemedicine services, and essential facilities such as a patient waiting area and registration desk, vital data collection desk, basic mini lab with refrigerated storage, safe storage of medicine and dispensing facility, consultation Room for General Practitioner, Specialist and Super-Specialist tele-consultation facility (IoT Integrated), large size TV for health education and awareness programs, and expandable awning for outdoor shade, significantly enhancing healthcare accessibility. The mobile clinics also have air conditioning, infection control mechanisms, and Wi-Fi connectivity and can navigate remote village roads, thereby reaching marginalized communities. These mobile clinics are part of Aster DM Healthcare CSR efforts in India, undertaken in strategic partnership with Ashok Leyland.

Aster Volunteers Mobile Medical Services (AVMMS) is a one-of-a-kind CSR initiative by Aster Volunteers, backed by Aster DM Foundation, aimed at bridging the gap in healthcare accessibility by providing free medical camps and disaster aid support to needy communities in remote areas. The 50 Mobile Clinics have been achieved over a period of 12 years and are increasing its networks gradually. These units are deployed across India, Middle East & Africa Regions and other South Asian countries like Bangladesh, Sri-Lanka and Nepal, will be able to benefit at least 1 million people per annum from the FY 2025-26 period onwards.

Currently, 31 Mobile Clinics by Aster Volunteers across India are present in various places in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Odisha, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, UP, Bihar. West Bengal Jammu & Kashmir and upcoming are in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh. Aster Volunteers planning to add 10 more units in the year 2025, a good number of that shall benefit people across North India Region, as part of their commitment towards making healthcare accessible and affordable.

On this momentous occasion, Vice-President, Jagdeep Dhankhar said, “The launch of these Mobile Medical Clinics is a notable initiative towards enhancing healthcare access for underserved populations, which is the need of the hour. This initiative truly shines not only in its delivery of essential medical services but also in the impact it creates toward furthering the broader goal of enhancing healthcare in our country and beyond. The integration of technology with mobility, allowing high-quality care to be provided even in the most remote locations is praiseworthy. I commend the vision and dedication of Aster Volunteers, the global CSR arm of Aster DM Healthcare, behind this effort, reflecting values of compassion and responsibility.”

Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder & Chairman, Aster DM Healthcare, commented, “Through this initiative, we are committed to providing accessible healthcare to underserved communities using advanced technologies and sustainable practices. The launch of new mobile clinics marks a significant step in our mission to empower individuals and transform communities. Moving forward, we aim to expand our reach deeper in North India to serve marginalized populations more effectively.”

Over the last 7 years Aster Volunteers have touched the lives of 5.6 million people engaging more than 75,000 Volunteers as a movement envisaged by Dr. Moopen and the team. Aster Volunteers initiative has created significant social impact, through initiatives focused on healthcare, education, social upliftment, environmental sustainability, and disaster aid, building a bridge between those who have and have not.