Objective

To assess the functioning and operational effectiveness of the Mobile Health Unit (MHU) in Solapur district of Maharashtra through a rapid assessment approach. The assessment focused on evaluating healthcare accessibility, infrastructure readiness, service frequency, staffing adequacy, medicine availability, beneficiary satisfaction, and the quality of healthcare services delivered through the Mobile Health Unit.

Methodology

Data Collection Methods

• Beneficiary interviews
• Interviews with MHU staff
• Chief Medical Officer consultation
• Direct field observation Infrastructure and equipment checklist verification
• Review of patient records and operational documentation

Assessment Areas

• Healthcare accessibility and service frequency
• Infrastructure and medical equipment adequacy
• Staff preparedness and patient interaction
• Medicine availability and consultation quality
• Beneficiary satisfaction and service utilization
• Referral systems and healthcare awareness sessions
• Documentation, privacy, and biomedical waste management

Key Outcomes

• The Mobile Health Unit operated approximately 20–24 days per month and visited the community twice every month, ensuring regular access to essential healthcare services for underserved populations.
• On the day of assessment, a total of 85 beneficiaries received healthcare services, including 31 male and 54 female beneficiaries, reflecting strong participation among women.
• Beneficiaries expressed high satisfaction with the MHU services, particularly appreciating free access to medicines, reduced transportation costs, short waiting times, and individual attention from healthcare staff.
• Healthcare staff demonstrated professionalism, respectful behavior, and sensitivity toward beneficiaries across different genders, age groups, and persons with disabilities. Doctors provided adequate consultation time and personalized healthcare guidance.
• The MHU provided medical consultations, free medicines, and referral services to nearby PHCs and CHCs for specialised healthcare needs. Health awareness sessions were conducted focusing on:
  • Menstrual hygiene
  • Reproductive health
  • Nutrition and balanced diet
  • Child hygiene and preventive care
• Strong documentation practices and beneficiary records were maintained. However, opportunities for improvement were identified in patient privacy during consultations, camp hygiene, and community engagement activities.

Deliverables

• Mobile Health Unit Assessment Report
• Healthcare Service Delivery Evaluation
• Infrastructure & Equipment Assessment
• Beneficiary Satisfaction Analysis
• Operational Efficiency Review
• Public Health Recommendations Framework
• Documentation & Referral System Assessment