In a major boost to healthcare access in North India, HDFC Bank, through its CSR initiative Parivartan, has teamed up with Smile Foundation to launch eight Mobile Medical Care Units (MCUs) across Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, and Uttarakhand.
The programme aims to provide critical healthcare services to approximately 4 lakh people in remote and resource-scarce communities.
Designed under HDFC Bank Parivartan’s Healthcare and Hygiene pillar, the MCUs will bring primary and preventive healthcare directly to hard-to-reach areas, tackling challenges posed by hilly terrain, limited medical resources, and high demand on local healthcare systems.
Each MCU will offer a full spectrum of services including OPD consultations, diagnostics, and free medicines. Referral services will link patients to primary and community health centers.
Pregnant women will receive antenatal and postnatal care, children will undergo growth monitoring, and adults will be screened for hypertension, diabetes, and anaemia. School health camps will educate students on hygiene, nutrition, and menstrual health, while community sessions aim to build lasting preventive habits.
The programme, running from April 2026 to March 2028, was formally launched in an event featuring all eight MCUs, project briefings, and keynote addresses from HDFC Bank and Smile Foundation leaders.
Speaking about the initiative, Nusrat Pathan, Head CSR, HDFC Bank, said, "At HDFC Bank, we believe that good health is the foundation of resilient communities. In many remote parts of North India, quality healthcare remains out of reach for the most vulnerable.
"Through this partnership with Smile Foundation, we are bringing integrated primary healthcare directly to the people who need it most. This initiative reflects Parivartan's deep commitment to last-mile healthcare and to the communities we serve."
Santanu Mishra, Co-Founder and Executive Trustee, Smile Foundation, added, "We are proud of this partnership with HDFC Bank to deliver integrated primary healthcare services at the doorsteps of the communities. Healthcare remains a crucial factor in ensuring the wellbeing and prosperity of a community.
"Through this meaningful partnership, we are further enhancing our innovative efforts to take primary healthcare to the communities and thereby complementing the government's mission."
Smile Foundation will manage all MCU operations, deploying MBBS doctors, adhering to ICMR protocols, monitoring progress via technology, and linking beneficiaries to government health schemes under the National Health Mission.
The programme aligns with national priorities including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), the NP-NCD framework, and the Anemia Mukt Bharat mission.
