Centre for Migration and Inclusive Development in association with National Health Mission Ernakulam has successfully run the  “BANDHU Clinic” country’s first Mobile Medical Unit, which is reaching out to residential areas of migrant workers in Kerala providing critical COVID screening services in addition to free treatment for their ailments in partnership with various agencies.

Bandhu Clinic is a hi-tech facility catering to migrants’ basic medical needs. The vehicle is fitted with cameras, floodlights, a solar roof and other modern equipment. It is the first and the only active mobile screening unit for Covid-19 screening.

Caritas India SUDHAAR project team with the support of Mobile Medical Unit ensured that migrants under the project receive free Covid19 screening and medical support. Implemented by the Welfare Services Ernakulam (WSE), Eranakulam, the project is working to improve the lives of 1500 local migrants in Ernakulam District of Kerala, whereas the project has reached out to 2200 migrants. The project conducted various activities like awareness camps, psychosocial support, peer group formation, network building, financial inclusion activities to support the migrant communities.

The first camp was set up on June 21, 2020, at Puthiya Road in Kangarappady, which is one of the major migrant residential pockets in Ernakulam. More than 90 migrants came for the COVID screening and they were given free medicine by the medical team. People diagnosed with fever were given special attention through a follow up by Primary Health centre medical team.

The second camp at ward 17 and 18 of Kadungalloor Panchayath of Aluva, Ernakulam District witnessed around 60 guest workers and their families from Binanipuram industrial area take free testing camp services. TJ Titus, chairman of the Standing Committee on Welfare, Dr Taslima Beevi,(Medical Officer, PHC, Kadungallur) ASHA Workers, SUDHAAR Migrant Project Team and of the 18th Village Development Committee members Mr P.G. Anirudhan and Safarullah led the screening camp 

At Malamuri, Rayamangalam Panchayat of Perumbavoor, 50 migrants and 40 local people received the free medical camp services. The camp majorly provided basic medical services to the migrant workers as well as the local people who were not able to seek medical help. 

The fourth medical camp was inaugurated by the Health supervisor of Vengoor PHC at Kuruppumpady Community Hall, Koovappady Panchayath, Perumbavoor on June 24, 2020. Between 10 AM to 2.30 PM a total of 55 people availed the free service following the COVID 19 precautionary measures. 

The camp was coordinated by the PHC Team, NHM Team members, PRI Members, ASHA Worker, and SUDHAAR Project Team under the leadership of Fr.Jose Koluthuvallil, Director, WSE to support the migrant communities living in Ernakulam District of Kerala.