Karnataka govt flags ‘Wellness on Wheels’ supported by Volvo Group & Narayana Health

New Delhi: With the patronage of the Health and Family Welfare Department, Govt of Karnataka – ‘Wellness on Wheels’, the mobile clinic – will now set journey across the state of Karnataka, focused at preventive screening and diagnosis for heart and cancer as also other state-of-the-art medical services for communities across the state.

This is a societal initiative by Volvo Group which has built and provided this advanced, connected mobile community clinic, in partnership with Narayana Health.

‘Wellness on Wheels’ was flagged off recently by Health Minister Mr Dinesh Gundu Rao at “Arogya Soudha” in the presence of Kamal Bali, Dr Devi Shetty, Health Commissioner, Randeep IAS and Health Mission Director, Karnataka Dr Naveen.

The Health & Family Welfare Department, Govt of Karnataka shall provide basic infrastructure support to ‘Wellness on Wheels’ Mobile Clinic vehicle at government hospitals and primary health centers, in order to provide the needful screening to patients who require Cancer & Heart Medical screening. This initiative is set to reach districts, taluks, rural areas, and slums in various parts of Karnataka to provide the much needed assistance to the economically disadvantaged sections of society.

The mobile clinic has been especially designed, customized and equipped with advanced screening equipment for detecting cancer, heart ailments along with non-invasive diagnostic tools, including Ultrasound, ECG, X Ray and cancer screening. To enable telemedicine and consultation with experts at the base Narayana Health hospital in Bangalore, the vehicle is Wi-Fi enabled and provided with high-end laptops, specially configured for doctors, to facilitate remote communication and to get expert advice on-the-go. The 42 feet long, specially designed, spacious mobile clinic is airconditioned, equipped with diagnostic lab, a chemical toilet, and is independently powered by the on-board power sources.  The vehicle has storage space for carrying canopies, chairs, et al for patients in-waiting.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Health, Government of Karnataka, Dinesh Gundu Rao said, “Health has always been our priority and I am extremely delighted that Volvo Group and Narayana Health have come together to fulfil our shared objective in serving the people of Karnataka. I extend my appreciation to Volvo Group and Narayana Health for taking this much needed societal outreach initiative and assure them of government support in this endeavour.”

Speaking at the occasion, Kamal Bali, President & MD, Volvo Group India said, ‘Volvo Group is pleased to partner with the highly credible and prestigious Narayana Health, together with the Health Department of the government of Karnataka, in this very special program. Health & Wellness of our people has been one of our top priorities, and our societal outreach in this area is reflective of the extension of the same. This is also critical for driving the prosperity of our nation. This mobile ”Wellness on Wheels” that has been built on a Volvo vehicle is part of our endeavour to make good health & wellness more inclusive – by reaching out to remote areas across Karnataka and the rest of India’.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Devi Prasad Shetty, Chairman of Narayana Health commented, ‘Diagnosing illness at a late stage makes it harder to treat and alleviate a patient’s condition – which unfortunately is a norm today. We could save many lives if we can carry out early diagnoses. This mobile clinic will initiate the culture of preventive healthcare while reaching out to economically weaker and under-served sections in the country, helping to save precious lives’.

“Wellness on Wheels” is built on a state-of-the-art Volvo Prime mover FM 4×2, fitted with automated I-shift transmission coupled with sophisticated medical equipment. In addition to a range of active and passive safety features, the vehicle is fitted with air suspension and ABS brakes for a vibration free ride to protect the sensitive medical equipment on-board.