Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh greeted by Ms. Manorama Singh, President, BMSS - Smile's partner

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh flagged off Smile on Wheels and welcomed Smile Foundation’s mobile healthcare initiative to reach out the outreach in the state. Berojgar Mahila Sewa Samiti [BMSS] is the local partner for the much appreciated and novel programme in Chhattisgarh.

The inauguration programme, held at the Chief Minister’s official bungalow on September 4 morning, was attended by various dignitaries from the government, media and members of the public. Minister of PWD, Minister of Health, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Secretary Health, Senior Officials from the Directorate of Health from the Government of Chhattisgarh, representatives form national and international development agencies as well as members of the media were among those present in the function.

The Chief Minister, who is himself a trained doctor, inspected the well equipped mobile van and appreciated the facilities as well as the concept behind the nation wide programme to reach the outreach through healthcare facilities.

Smile Foundation launched the programme as part of its endeavour to introduce healthcare awareness and contemporary health care services seeking behavior among the rural masses and the underprivileged.

Under this programme, Smile's aim is to run a fleet of 30 fully equipped mobile medical vans in collaboration with NGO's and local administration in the next two years, reaching out to over 35-40 lakh beneficiaries.

Five vans were flagged off in the first phase of Smile-on-Wheels with projected health coverage for 7.5 lakhs people in 249 identified villages across five Indian states. Five partner NGOs received the vans, who come from as many states such as Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh and Maharasthra.

The five NGO's are Sevadham Trust (Pune, Maharashtra), Berojgar Mahila Sewa Samiti (Bhilai, Chhattisgarh), Orissa Institute of Medical Research and Health Services (Cuttack, Orissa), Ambuja Cement Foundation (Roorkee, Uttaranchal), and Suraj Hospital (Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh). These NGO's will access deserving villages where no governmental health services exist. The van will cover the vicinity of 20-50 kms from its center and will visit 2-3 villages a day on a regular basis.

The services provided are OPD, Ante-natal/post-natal services, identification of difficult pregnancy and referral for institutional care, Immunization- Mother & children, Minor surgery, BP examination, X-ray, ECG, First Aid, Distribution of Iron Folic tablets, Vit-A Prophylaxis, Treatment of mal-nutrient cases, etc.

Children and Women's health are among Smile's prime concerns. A referral service network for them also needs to be developed. Education and counseling on Health and hygiene, Family planning promotion with emphasis on condom usage for safe sex, spacing methods would also be imparted. The programme would also ensure organising regular health camps, including minor surgical interventions.

The Chief Minister flagging off Smile on Wheels	Smile on Wheels - ready to reach the outreach