Clinic On Wheels Scheme: A Lifesaving Healthcare Initiative in Punjab
The Clinic on Wheels Scheme is a flagship project of the Punjab government, designed to provide free medical services to urban slums and remote communities with limited access to hospitals or clinics. With over 7.2 million people living in crowded, underserved urban areas, this program addresses a massive healthcare access gap in Punjab. It brings primary care, diagnostics, and preventive services directly to people’s doorsteps through mobile clinics.
Why It Matters
Clinic on Wheels Scheme is a core part of this service. – Targets urban health vulnerabilities
– Reduces pressure on overcrowded hospitals
– Improves public health indicators
– Focuses on maternal, child, and general healthcare
Clinic on Wheels Scheme is a core part of this service. Bringing Healthcare to the Doorstep
Mobile Medical Vans: Hospital on Wheels
These are fully equipped vehicles staffed with healthcare professionals:
– Doctors & Lady Health Visitors (LHVs)
– Dispensers
– Vaccinators
Each van provides:
– Minor ailment treatment
– Child immunizations
– Maternal checkups (ANC & PNC)
– Diagnostic tests
– Nutrition screening for under-5 children
– Health education & counseling
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List of Services Offered
| Service Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Basic Medical Care | Checkups, minor illness treatment, medicine dispensing |
| Maternal Health | Antenatal/postnatal care, referrals for delivery |
| Family Planning | Counseling and free contraceptives |
| Immunization | Vaccines for children under 2 |
| Diagnostic Tests | Hepatitis B & C, malaria, diabetes, hemoglobin, hypertension |
| Nutrition Support | Screening and treatment for malnutrition in young children |
| Preventive Health Education | Hygiene, disease prevention, lifestyle guidance |
Launch, Expansion & Leadership Support
When and How It Started
The program was inaugurated on May 10, 2024, by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Services officially began on May 13, 2024.
By mid-2025:
– 911 mobile clinics were deployed
– 10 million+ patients had been treated
– 45,000+ people received treatment daily
Types of Vehicles Deployed
– 202 Passenger Vehicles – carry staff and medicines
– 42 Ultrasound Vehicles – diagnostic services
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District-Level Rollouts & Feedback
Rahim Yar Khan: Mixed Response
In May 2024, the scheme was launched in four union councils:
– 6 vehicles were deployed
– Services included ultrasound, medicines, and vaccination
– Awareness remained low in 3 out of 4 UCs
– Some residents continued visiting Sheikh Zayed Hospital due to lack of info
Bahawalpur: Promising Engagement
– 7 mobile units launched in Muhajir Colony
– Program supervised by MPA Dr. Rana Muhammad Tariq & DC Zaheer Anwar
– Community response was positive
– Officials encouraged follow-up and community monitoring
How the System Works
Clinic Timing & Daily Schedule
| Day | Operating Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon–Thu, Sat | 9 AM – 3 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM – 1 PM |
Operational Model Highlights
– CRC 1034 System assigns daily tasks
– 3–18 vans per district, depending on population
– 1 ultrasound van per 4 passenger vans
– Pre-registration via Lady Health Workers (LHWs)
– Vans visit urban slums & peri-urban areas based on micro-plans
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Field Staff Per Unit
– 1 Medical Officer
– 1 Lady Health Visitor
– 1 Dispenser
– 1 Vaccinator
Each unit carries all necessary medicines, vaccines, and testing kits for on-site services.
Healthcare Services in Detail
Focus Areas of the Program
1. Maternal & Child Care
– ANC/PNC services
– Nutrition & growth monitoring
– Childbirth referrals via 1034 system
2. Diagnostics & Disease Prevention
– Testing for: Hepatitis B & C, Malaria, Diabetes, Hypertension, Hemoglobin levels
3. Family Planning
– Awareness sessions
– Distribution of contraceptive commodities
4. Child Immunization
– Routine vaccination for under-2 children
– Increases immunization coverage
5. Nutrition & Lifestyle
– Under-5 nutritional screening
– Health tips on hygiene, food habits, and wellness
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Challenges Faced by the Program
Awareness & Communication Gaps
In several areas, people were unaware of the clinics’ schedule or benefits. Reasons:
– Inadequate community mobilization
– Dependence on banners and announcements
– Some distrust or lack of understanding
Operational Issues
– Not all vehicles had ultrasound equipment
– In some locations, only 4 of 6 vans were functioning
– Urban focus questioned by healthcare experts, who suggest expansion to rural zones
Conclusion and Future Outlook
What Makes It Special?
– Digital tracking & centralized scheduling
– Free diagnostics, vaccinations & consultation
– Fully equipped teams reaching the doorstep of patients
What’s Next?
– Potential expansion to rural regions
– Increased awareness campaigns
– Better coordination with local influencers, LHWs & NGOs
This initiative could become a national model for mobile healthcare—scalable, sustainable, and community-centered.
