Mohalla Clinic: How this small step by AAP will change the healthcare system of Delhi

By Ishan Kukreti

In a move much appreciated by the locals, a one of its kind medical unit, Mohalla Clinic is up and running in Piragarhi Relief Camp. The camp did not have any medical facility before this.

"Earlier we had to go to Paschim Vihar for any medical problem. It is easy for us now," said Surendra Kohli, a TB patients and a resident of the camp.

Mohalla Clinic is a peripheral health care unit which is aimed at providing better medical facility to the weaker sections. The clinic at Pira Garhi is part of a bigger project where 500 such units will be installed in various economically weak regions of Delhi.

"This is a first of its kind demonstrative unit. We will run this and understand the problems. Then these problems will be ironed out and 500 such Mohalla Clinics will be set up in Delhi this year. " Project manager PWD, Ashok Rajdev told NewsGram.

The Mohalla Clinic right now has a doctor, a nurse, a pharmacist and a technician. The registration process is completely digital and is done through a 'Swasthya Slate'.

A lot of people have been visiting the clinic since it became operational last week, with 72 patients in the just the first 2 hours of its opening. Although the work load on staff is a lot, their positive and hard working attitude is inspiring.

"Yes, we are a small group, but we have to make this project successful. That's our challenge and we will do it" Bhavna, who is the pharmacist of the clinic said.

Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain officially inspected the Mohalla Clinic today and made suggestions to improve the facility. He pointed towards the need to have facilities like drinking water dispenser, a token vending machine for the proper management of patients and provision for blood testing.

The people of the camp are undoubtedly very happy. A resident of the area, Manjit Kaur, while talking to NewsGram said that previous governments have not done anything for the area and AAP's initiative is very noble and thoughtful. However, at the same time, she pointed out the problems due to the absence of proper roads and PDS store in the area.

"We have ration cards but there is no government outlet here. Even the roads get water logged during the rains and give rise to mosquitoes and Malaria," she said.