17,00,000+
People
17
States
Healthcare continues to remain one of the most critical needs across India’s rural and urban underserved communities. Smile Foundation’s health initiatives aim to close this gap by bringing primary healthcare to the doorstep of those who have limited or no access to medical facilities.
Through our flagship programme, Smile on Wheels, and allied models such as telemedicine, physiotherapy, dental care, and static clinics, we deliver preventive, promotive, and curative healthcare directly to communities, free of cost.
The intervention works on the principle of the 3A Model – Availability, Accessibility, and Affordability, ensuring that medical services, medicines, and diagnostics are not a privilege but a right within reach of every family.
By reducing travel, consultation, and medicine expenses, the programme eases the financial strain on daily wage earners, domestic workers, construction labourers, and other vulnerable groups who often postpone or forego treatment due to cost or distance.
In doing so, Smile Foundation not only provides treatment but also builds awareness on anaemia, menstrual hygiene, nutrition, and family planning, helping families adopt preventive health practices.
Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3 and the Government of India’s vision for Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the programme continues to demonstrate how localised, community-driven healthcare models can create lasting impact and move the nation closer to inclusive, equitable health for all.
healthcare units, including Mobile Medical, Telemedicine, Dental, and Physiotherapy Units, operational across India
reached across 17 states, 70 districts, 1,140 villages and urban underserved locations
conducted for gynaecology, paediatrics, and non-communicable diseases, ensuring timely and affordable access to advanced medical advice
organised including physiotherapy and specialised health camps, providing physiotherapy, general health services, and occupation-related care
Healthcare on Wheels and Beyond
Smile Foundation’s Smile on Wheels programme delivers primary healthcare to underserved communities through 109 mobile medical units across India. Each unit provides OPD consultations, diagnostics, medicines, and maternal and child healthcare. Integrated teleconsultations with specialists address chronic and non-communicable diseases. During the year, 12,372 teleconsultations were conducted. By combining on-ground presence with technology, the initiative ensures affordable, accessible, and continuous healthcare for people living in remote or low-income areas.
Health Outreach for the Transport Workforce
Truckers, mechanics, and transport workers often lack access to timely healthcare. Smile Foundation addresses their needs through physiotherapy clinics and large-scale health camps offering check-ups, counselling, and physiotherapy. During the year, more than 275 health camps were held across major transport hubs, reaching thousands of beneficiaries. The initiative improves physical well-being, spreads health awareness, and supports one of the country’s most essential yet underserved workforce groups.
Oral Health Services through Mobile Dental Units
Mobile Dental Units provide free oral healthcare to underserved communities, offering check-ups, scaling, fillings, and extractions. Alongside treatment, awareness sessions in schools and community spaces promote oral hygiene and preventive practices. The initiative ensures that low-income families have access to dental care while reducing the incidence of untreated oral diseases and encouraging early, preventive action.
Reaching the Unreached through Smile on Boat
The Smile on Boat initiative brings healthcare and awareness to riverine regions
of Assam, where access to medical services is limited. Operating across 12 island clusters along the Brahmaputra, the floating clinic provides consultations, diagnostics, immunisation, and maternal and child health services. Regular awareness activities on hygiene, water-borne diseases, and preventive care are also conducted to strengthen community health. Reaching over 25,000 people annually, the initiative ensures that even in flood-prone areas, essential healthcare continues to reach families in need.
Community Awareness and Preventive Action
Smile Foundation integrates awareness and preventive care across all its healthcare interventions. Community sessions on nutrition, hygiene, anaemia prevention, menstrual health, and lifestyle diseases are conducted regularly through Smile on Wheels projects—mass screenings for anaemia, diabetes, and hypertension support early detection and timely management. School health initiatives further promote hygiene, nutrition, and health awareness among children. Together, these efforts strengthen preventive health practices and encourage communities to adopt healthier and more informed lifestyles.
Integrating Technology and Community Linkages
Digital tools and social inclusion remain central to Smile Foundation’s healthcare model. A central Project Management System and e-Health Records enable data accuracy and transparency. The Community Linkage Initiative connects families with welfare schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, pensions, and identity services. Together, these efforts align with national health priorities and strengthen inclusive, data-driven, and accountable healthcare delivery.
“For over 30 years, I worked as a daily wage labourer, carrying heavy loads at the market — sometimes up to 50 kilos on my shoulders. The years of hard work took a toll, and for the past decade, I could barely walk without pain in my back, shoulders, and legs.”
Bhola received free physiotherapy sessions for over a month at Smile Foundation’s static clinic in Ranchi. The regular therapy has eased his pain, helping him walk more comfortably and manage his daily work again. With a smile, he shares how simple exercises and care have made a big difference in his life, allowing him to move freely and live without constant pain.
“At my age, even a small health problem feels heavy. My husband is unwell, my son works long hours, and my daughter-in-law manages the home. I never wanted to trouble them to take me to the hospital for regular check-ups. When Smile on Wheels started visiting our area, everything became easier. Now I can get my blood pressure and sugar checked, take my medicines on time, and speak to the doctor whenever I need. They explain everything with patience and even share simple ways to take care of my health at home. It may seem like a small thing, but for me, it has lifted a big worry. I feel cared for and independent, knowing that help and good advice are right at my doorstep.”
"Since the birth of my baby, every little thing feels like a big worry. Even when my baby has gas or cries too much, I start to panic. I often feel weak and tired, unsure if I am doing things right. The doctors and nurses in the Smile on Wheels van have been my biggest support in these months. They visit regularly, check both my health and my baby’s, and patiently guide me on postnatal care. Their advice on feeding, nutrition, and recovery has made me feel more confident as a mother. I have realised that caring for myself is also caring for my child. The regular check-ups and simple guidance have helped me regain strength and peace of mind, making these early months easier and happier for both of us."
"I have always been an early riser. There’s a lot to do before the first idlis are ready – soaking the rice, grinding the batter, setting up the stall, and after selling, more work waits at home. I used to feel tired all the time and thought it was just because of the long hours. One day, the Smile on Wheels van came to our area for free health check-ups. I decided to go and found out that I have diabetes. At first, I was scared, but the doctor explained everything patiently and helped me understand how to manage it. Now, whenever the van visits, I get my sugar checked, take my medicines, and return to my stall before the customers arrive. It doesn’t cost anything, and I don’t have to travel far. This regular care has helped me stay healthy and continue my work without missing a single day."
