HDFC Bank, through its flagship CSR initiative Parivartan, has partnered with Smile Foundation to deploy eight Mobile Medical Care Units (MCUs) across remote communities in North India. The initiative aims to improve access to essential healthcare services and is expected to benefit approximately four lakh people.
The programme will operate across Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, and Uttarakhand, targeting geographically isolated and underserved populations where healthcare access remains limited.
Expanding Access to Healthcare in Remote Regions
Under its Healthcare and Hygiene pillar, HDFC Bank Parivartan focuses on expanding access to primary and preventive healthcare for vulnerable communities.
However, many villages in the hilly terrains of North India continue to face serious barriers to healthcare access. Difficult terrain, limited medical infrastructure, and high pressure on existing health facilities often prevent people from receiving timely treatment.
To address these challenges, the newly launched Mobile Medical Care Units will bring healthcare services directly to remote communities, ensuring that people receive care closer to their homes.
Comprehensive Primary Healthcare Services
Each MCU will provide a wide range of primary healthcare services designed to address the most common health needs in rural areas.
These services include:
- Outpatient consultations (OPD) conducted by qualified medical professionals
- Basic diagnostic tests and distribution of free medicines
- Referral services linking patients to Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs) for advanced care
- Antenatal and postnatal care for pregnant women
- Growth monitoring and health assessments for children
- Screening for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, and anaemia
In addition, the programme will organise school health camps, where children will receive education on hygiene, nutrition, and menstrual health. Regular community health awareness sessions will also promote preventive health practices and encourage long-term healthy behaviours.
Programme Timeline and Launch Event
The healthcare initiative will run from April 2026 to March 2028, ensuring sustained outreach to underserved communities.
To mark the launch, representatives from HDFC Bank and Smile Foundation gathered for a formal event where all eight MCUs were showcased. The event included project briefings, keynote addresses, and discussions on strengthening last-mile healthcare delivery.
Leadership Perspectives on the Initiative
Speaking about the initiative, Ms. Nusrat Pathan, Head – CSR, HDFC Bank, emphasized the importance of equitable healthcare access.
“At HDFC Bank, we believe that good health forms 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 those who need it most. This initiative reflects Parivartan’s deep commitment to last-mile healthcare and the communities we serve.”
Similarly, Mr. Santanu Mishra, Co-Founder and Executive Trustee, Smile Foundation, highlighted the significance of collaborative healthcare delivery.
“We are proud to partner with HDFC Bank to deliver integrated primary healthcare services directly to communities. Healthcare remains a crucial factor in ensuring the wellbeing and prosperity of a society. Through this partnership, we are strengthening our efforts to bring healthcare closer to communities while complementing the government’s mission.”
Participation of Public Health Experts
As per the press release, the launch event also brought together several distinguished public health leaders and experts.
Notable attendees included:
- Maj. Gen. (Dr. Prof.) Atul Kotwal, Distinguished Scientist Chair, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
- Dr. K. Madan Gopal, Advisor and Head – Public Health Administration, National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC)
- Dr. Priyanka Shenoy, Senior Consultant, NHSRC
Senior representatives from HDFC Bank were also present, including Mr. Sanjeev Kaushik, Regional Head – Retail Branch Banking; Mr. Ashish Srivastava, Zonal Head – North & East, CSR; Ms. Arpana Kumari, Regional Head – North, CSR; and Mr. Arvind Singh, Regional Head – North, CSR.
Operational Management and Alignment with National Health Goals
Smile Foundation will manage the day-to-day operations of the Mobile Medical Care Units. The organisation will deploy qualified MBBS doctors, implement technology-driven monitoring systems, and ensure strict adherence to ICMR protocols.
Furthermore, the programme will connect beneficiaries to government health schemes under the National Health Mission (NHM), strengthening coordination with public healthcare systems.
Importantly, the initiative aligns with several national and global health priorities, including:
- Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being
- National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD)
- Anemia Mukt Bharat Mission
HDFC Bank’s Continued Commitment to Community Health
Beyond this programme, HDFC Bank Parivartan continues to support multiple healthcare initiatives across India. The bank has previously partnered with institutions such as the Ramky Foundation and Tata Memorial Hospital, demonstrating its long-term commitment to improving community health outcomes.
Parivartan, the bank’s umbrella Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, drives development initiatives across six focus areas:
- Rural Development
- Promotion of Education
- Skill Development and Livelihood Enhancement
- Healthcare and Hygiene
- Financial Literacy and Inclusion
- Environmental Sustainability
Through initiatives like the Mobile Medical Care Units, HDFC Bank aims to strengthen healthcare access in underserved regions while contributing to inclusive and sustainable community development.