Glenmark Foundation has teamed up with the Centre for North East Studies & Policy Research (C-NES) and the District Administration of Darrang to launch a pioneering boat clinic program. This innovative project aims to enhance maternal and child health by delivering essential healthcare services to remote and flood-prone riverine communities in Assam.
The boat clinic program addresses significant barriers to healthcare access caused by geographical isolation and seasonal flooding. The mobile healthcare unit is specially designed to navigate these challenges, providing critical medical services including immunizations, prenatal care, and health education. Equipped with a laboratory and pharmacy, the boat will host a team of doctors, nurses, lab technicians, and pharmacists who will conduct regular health camps in the most vulnerable areas.
Nayana Parasher, DPM NHM Darrang, highlighted the program’s importance, stating, “The Boat Clinic will fill a crucial gap in health services, significantly improving access in remote areas.” Munindra Nath Ngatey, District Commissioner of Darrang, praised the initiative, noting it will bolster efforts to extend health services to the district’s river islands.
Since 2008, C-NES has been operating similar boat clinics across 14 districts in Assam, and this new launch in Darrang marks the 15th district to benefit from this model. Sanjoy Hazarika, Founder and Managing Trustee of C-NES, emphasized the program’s impact, stating, “This initiative will improve health care access for marginalized communities.”
Cheryl Pinto, Executive Director– Corporate Services at Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, saying, “This program reflects our commitment to innovative solutions for maternal and child health, especially in flood-prone areas.”
