Pune: Mobile Clinic Offers Check-ups and Medicines for Rs 5 to Underprivileged Residents
Pune, 25th February 2026: A mobile healthcare initiative launched by Rugna Hakk Parishad is providing medical check-ups and treatment for just ₹5 to poor and vulnerable residents across the city’s slum clusters and labour settlements. The initiative, titled Prithvi Mobile Clinic, has so far conducted 111 camps and benefited 10,077 patients, founder Umesh Chavan said at a press conference on Wednesday.
The project operates across 60 locations in the city with a team comprising two doctors, two nurses, a driver, a coordinator and assistants. According to the organisers, advanced diagnostic tests such as MRI and CT scans are arranged free of cost when required, while financial assistance for major surgeries is facilitated through government relief funds.
Chavan said the mobile format was chosen to maximise outreach. “If we had set up a single clinic, it would not have reached everyone. Taking healthcare to each locality allows early detection and timely treatment,” he said, adding that delayed diagnosis often worsens illnesses among economically weaker sections.
City president Aparna Sathe-Marane said the clinic van was built at a personal cost of ₹25 lakh. The vehicle, purchased through a loan from Janata Sahakari Bank and built on a Tata Motors Winger platform, functions as a fully equipped travelling clinic. Monthly operational expenses are estimated at ₹3.6 lakh, which Chavan currently bears.
The initiative draws inspiration from late labour leader Dr Baba Adhav, who is known for his low-cost food programme for workers. Organisers said the same spirit motivated them to provide quality healthcare at a nominal fee so that no one is denied treatment due to lack of money.
The clinic is operated through the Grand Prithvi Medical Foundation, affiliated with the parishad. Organisers emphasised that beyond treatment, the effort also focuses on spreading awareness about preventive healthcare and encouraging regular check-ups among underserved communities.
