Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) Project under CECS was introduced in 2013 with support from The Hans Foundation (THF), aiming to provide free and affordable healthcare services to underserved rural populations with limited access to healthcare. Initially launched in Dimapur and Mokokchung district, initially MMU project started in 44 villages and later expanded its outreach to Longleng district, progressively increasing its impact on the healthcare delivery system in rural areas of Nagaland.
The MMU project sought to revamp rural healthcare by delivering accessible, affordable, effective, accountable, and reliable medical services, particularly targeting vulnerable groups. The project’s scope was well aligned with the health outcomes envisioned in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of the United Nations. MMU’s services met the technical and quality standards of a primary health center, covering key areas such as maternal health, neonatal and infant health, women and child health, and geriatric care. Additionally, the MMU provided basic OPD care, managed chronic communicable and non-communicable diseases, offered dental and eye care, administered emergency medicine, and facilitated patient referrals as needed. Charges for these services were kept minimal, with women and child healthcare provided at no cost.
The MMU made significant strides in enhancing rural healthcare, contributing to lifestyle improvements, raising health awareness, promoting preventive vaccinations and encouraging regular medical check-ups among rural communities. Despite challenging terrain and low connectivity, the MMU managed to mobilize essential healthcare, performing screenings, basic diagnoses and in some cases, complex medical treatments close to patients’ homes, all with lower operational costs than fully functional hospitals.
In the implementation phase from 2013- 2021, MMU treated 33,462 patients and reached out to more than 10,000 households, covering a total population of more than 35000 across 15 villages in Mokokchung and Longleng district. The MMU project played a vital role in improving healthcare standards and quality of life for the rural population of Nagaland.
