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Medicover Hospitals Launches Free Health Programme in Andhra Pradesh

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, November 15th 2025 at 20:56 GMT by The Hans India

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Medicover Hospitals Launches Extensive Health Programme in Andhra Pradesh – A Community‑First Initiative

In a bid to broaden access to quality healthcare for underserved populations in Andhra Pradesh, Medicover Hospitals rolled out a comprehensive “Health Programme” in early March 2024. The initiative, which was highlighted in The Hans India article titled “Medicover Hospitals health programme held” (link: https://www.thehansindia.com/andhra-pradesh/medicover-hospitals-health-programme-held-1023675), aimed to provide free health check‑ups, screenings, and counselling to thousands of residents across the state, with a particular focus on rural and semi‑urban areas.

Objectives of the Programme

Medicover Hospitals described the programme as part of its broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, designed to bridge gaps in preventive care and early disease detection. The key goals outlined in the article were:

1. Early Identification of Chronic Conditions – Diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular risk factors were identified through simple, on‑site screening tools.
2. Eye and Dental Health – Free eye examinations and dental check‑ups aimed to catch common vision and oral problems before they escalated.
3. Nutritional and Lifestyle Guidance – Dieticians and physiotherapists offered personalised counselling on healthy eating and physical activity.
4. Community Education – Interactive workshops were conducted to raise awareness on common diseases and preventive measures.
5. Referral and Follow‑Up – Participants diagnosed with health issues were directed to Medicover’s specialist services for further evaluation and treatment.

The programme was conducted over a span of ten days at three major sites: the Medicover Hospital in Visakhapatnam, a satellite medical centre in Nellore, and a mobile van that visited several villages in the West Godavari district.

How It Was Executed

Mobile Medical Vans and On‑Site Facilities
A fleet of fully equipped mobile vans was deployed to reach remote villages that otherwise lacked easy access to healthcare. These vans carried portable blood‑pressure monitors, glucometers, and basic ophthalmic instruments. The vans also featured a tele‑medicine booth, allowing participants to consult a Medicover specialist via video link, a feature highlighted in the article’s accompanying photo gallery.

Screening Protocols
- Diabetes & Hypertension: Blood‑sugar levels were tested using finger‑prick kits, while blood‑pressure readings were taken using automated cuffs. Participants with readings above threshold values were given a free medical card for further testing at Medicover’s network hospitals. - Eye Care: Visual acuity tests were performed using Snellen charts, and retinal scans were conducted on a subset of participants to detect diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. - Dental Check‑Ups: Basic oral health examinations were conducted by a dental hygienist, with referrals for restorative work where necessary.

Educational Workshops
Nutritionists conducted interactive sessions on balanced diets, the importance of iron and calcium intake, and the role of physical activity in preventing chronic diseases. Additionally, a separate workshop focused on menstrual hygiene and family planning, reflecting Medicover’s commitment to women's health.

Health Kits Distribution
Each participant received a health kit containing essential items such as hand sanitizers, condoms, reusable gloves, and a pamphlet with preventive health tips. These kits, described as “a small step toward a healthier future,” were distributed in a coordinated effort with local NGOs, as noted in the article’s reference to a partnership with the Andhra Pradesh Health and Family Welfare Department.

Stakeholder Participation

• Medicover Leadership – Dr. R. Ravi, Chairman of Medicover Hospitals, delivered the opening address, emphasizing the chain’s mission to “provide world‑class healthcare to all corners of the country, irrespective of socioeconomic status.”
• Local Government Officials – The district health officer from West Godavari, Dr. S. Venkatesh, joined the event, underscoring the government’s support for public–private collaborations in healthcare delivery.
• NGO Representatives – A delegation from the Sankara Rural Health Initiative (a local NGO) helped facilitate outreach in remote villages. They lauded Medicover’s proactive approach to community health.

Outcomes and Impact

Immediate Impact
According to The Hans India, the programme screened an estimated 12,000 individuals across all sites. Roughly 1,800 participants were identified with elevated blood‑pressure or blood‑sugar levels, while 650 people required referral for eye treatment.

Long‑Term Vision
The article highlighted Medicover’s plan to transform these preliminary screenings into sustained care pathways. Participants who needed ongoing treatment received follow‑up appointments at discounted rates, and Medicover’s pharmacy arm provided a 30‑day supply of essential medicines at a subsidised price.

Community Feedback
Several residents shared their experiences in an online forum linked within the article. A participant from a village in West Godavari said, “Before this, we had to travel two hours for a simple check‑up. Now, the van comes to our doorstep, and we can get screened for free.” This anecdote exemplifies the programme’s effectiveness in reducing healthcare access barriers.

Medicover’s Strategic Partnerships

The article noted that Medicover Hospitals partnered with the National Health Mission (NHM) and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for training the mobile van staff. This collaboration ensured that the screening protocols adhered to national guidelines, and it also provided a platform for continuous quality improvement.

Looking Ahead

In the concluding remarks, Medicover’s spokesperson hinted at a future expansion of the programme into additional districts such as Guntur and Krishna, with plans to incorporate more specialised services like cardiology labs and tele‑dermatology units. The objective, as quoted in the article, is to “create a ripple effect, enabling early disease detection and promoting preventive healthcare across Andhra Pradesh.”

Final Thoughts

The Medicover Hospitals health programme, as detailed in The Hans India, stands out as a robust community‑health initiative that blends preventive care, patient education, and public‑private collaboration. By leveraging mobile technology, local partnerships, and an extensive network of specialist services, the programme promises not just a one‑time health check‑up but an ongoing commitment to healthier communities. The article, enriched by images of smiling participants and screenshots of the tele‑medicine interface, provides a vivid snapshot of how modern healthcare institutions can lead the charge in delivering inclusive, high‑quality care across India’s diverse landscape.