Assam Government Partners with The Hans Foundation to Improve Healthcare in Tea Gardens

• Assam state government has partnered with The Hans Foundation to launch the Hans Mobile Medical Unit Project. 
• 40 medical vans will be deployed to provide healthcare in 120 vulnerable tea gardens in Tinsukia and Dibrugarh.
• The Hans Foundation signed MoUs to enhance rural healthcare, menstrual education, and dietary supplements in Ranchi.

Assam, a state which is known for its extensive tea plantations, has more than 800 tea gardens. And these tea gardens play a significant role in its economy and cultural heritage. However, there has been a healthcare hurdle for the tea workers of Assam. 

To improve access to quality healthcare for tea garden communities, the Assam state government’s labor welfare department has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Hans Foundation (THF) to launch the Hans Mobile Medical Unit Project in 120 of the most vulnerable tea gardens in Assam's Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts.

"A government cannot look after each and every citizen even if it tries hard. This project is going to be a long-term one, which will offer quality healthcare among one of the most deprived communities of the state," Labour Welfare department Principal Secretary B Kalyan Chakravarthy told PTI.

According to a report, under the five-year MoU, 40 medical vans equipped with healthcare professionals will offer regular check-ups, treatments, preventive care, counselling, and awareness sessions. The first batch of 24 vehicles will become operational on July 1. 

“In the second phase, we will add 16 more vehicles, taking the total to 40 vans. Each van will have five persons — doctor, nurse, pharmacist, laboratory technician, and driver. The services will work 22 days in a month,” THF regional senior manager Krishna told PTI.

The Gurgaon-based charitable trust will invest approximately Rs 20 crore in the project, covering vehicles, equipment, and staff salaries, with administrative support from the Labour Welfare Department and district authorities. In the second phase, THF will establish wellness centers in tea gardens to address issues such as anemia and high maternal mortality rates among women, focusing on mother and child care.

Additionally, The Hans Foundation has also signed three MoUs at the National Conference on Menstrual Health and Hygiene in Ranchi. 

These MoUs, with Menstrupedia, MVM Nutritional Products, and the District Health Society of Ranchi, aim to strengthen rural healthcare facilities, enhance menstrual education, and provide dietary supplements.

The partnership with the District Health Society focuses on upgrading the Primary Health Centre in Usha Matu, Ratu block, over five years, improving facilities, staffing, and medical resources. Collaborations with Menstrupedia will produce educational materials, including the Mini Menstrupedia comic books, to educate and empower young girls and women while addressing stigma. 

Edited by Harshajit Sarmah