Access to quality healthcare continues to be one of the biggest challenges in India’s remote and underserved regions. The Dibang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh, known for its difficult terrain, scattered population, and limited health infrastructure, faces acute barriers to timely medical services. To overcome these challenges, Piramal Swasthya, a leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to primary healthcare, initiated the Mobile Health Unit (MHU) Project in the region. To understand the existing healthcare gaps and design effective interventions, Fiinovation—one of India’s premier CSR and social impact consulting firms—conducted a comprehensive Baseline Study for this initiative.
The baseline study serves as a foundational analysis, helping stakeholders understand the community’s healthcare needs, the status of available services, and the potential impact of introducing Mobile Health Units in such remote geographies. Fiinovation’s extensive research and field-based evaluation played a crucial role in shaping the implementation strategy of this healthcare project.
Understanding the Purpose of the Baseline Study
A baseline study is essential before rolling out large-scale social interventions. It establishes the starting point against which future impact can be measured. For the Mobile Health Unit (MHU) Project in Dibang Valley, the baseline aimed to:
Assess the existing healthcare infrastructure and accessibility
Identify prevalent diseases and health challenges among the local population
Understand socio-cultural factors affecting healthcare-seeking behavior
Map underserved villages and populations with the highest need
Provide actionable recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of MHU services
Fiinovation’s research team used a combination of surveys, interviews, community discussions, and field observations to collect accurate and holistic data from the region.
Healthcare Challenges in Dibang Valley
Dibang Valley is one of the least populated districts in India, with communities spread across vast, difficult terrain. The region depends largely on traditional healing practices, and access to modern healthcare is limited.
Key challenges identified by Fiinovation include:
Difficult Terrain & Remoteness: Many villages require long travel hours on foot or rugged roads to reach the nearest health facility.
Limited Primary Healthcare Infrastructure: PHCs and sub-centres are often understaffed or lack essential equipment and medicines.
Shortage of Skilled Medical Personnel: Doctors and trained nurses are difficult to retain due to the district’s remoteness.
High Prevalence of Communicable Diseases: Respiratory infections, gastrointestinal issues, skin conditions, and vector-borne diseases were common.
Maternal & Child Health Gaps: Limited access to antenatal care, immunization, and nutrition services affects maternal and child health outcomes.
The baseline study highlighted the urgent need for an intervention that could reach the last-mile population and deliver essential primary healthcare services regularly.
Role of the Mobile Health Unit (MHU) Project
Piramal Swasthya’s Mobile Health Unit (MHU) Project is designed to bridge this access gap by delivering free, doorstep healthcare services to remote communities.
Fiinovation’s baseline study identified how MHUs can address key regional needs:
Providing regular medical check-ups in villages with no health centers
Ensuring timely diagnosis of common ailments and chronic diseases
Extending maternal and child health services, including ANC/PNC, nutrition counseling, and immunization support
Offering basic lab tests and dispensing essential medicines
Conducting health awareness campaigns on hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention
With data from the baseline study, the project implementation team can strategically route the MHUs to reach the most underserved pockets of Dibang Valley.
Methodology Adopted by Fiinovation
Fiinovation followed a structured and inclusive research methodology, ensuring that the study captured ground realities accurately.
Key research tools included:
Household surveys covering demographic and health-related indicators
In-depth interviews with community leaders, ASHA workers, ANMs, and government health officials
Facility assessments of existing PHCs, CHCs, and dispensaries
GIS mapping of remote villages and potential MHU routes
Focus group discussions to understand cultural beliefs and barriers to care
This mixed-methods approach helped create a clear and evidence-based picture of healthcare conditions in the region.
Major Findings of the Baseline Study
1. Significant Demand for Mobile Healthcare
Most households expressed high interest in mobile healthcare services due to the lack of accessible alternatives.
2. Need for Strengthening Preventive Care
Awareness about preventive health measures, sanitation, and nutrition was limited, indicating the need for focused IEC (Information, Education & Communication) activities.
3. High Out-of-Pocket Expenditure
Residents often travel long distances for basic treatment, incurring high travel and medical costs. MHUs can drastically reduce this burden.
4. Importance of Local Community Engagement
The study emphasized the need to involve village councils, women’s groups, and youth to ensure greater participation and trust.
Conclusion
Fiinovation’s Baseline Study of the Mobile Health Unit (MHU) Project by Piramal Swasthya in Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh provides a strong evidence-based foundation for delivering quality healthcare to remote tribal communities. The insights gathered through this research will help the implementing agency tailor services, optimize resources, and create measurable health improvements in the region.
This baseline marks an important step toward strengthening primary healthcare delivery in one of India’s most remote districts, ensuring that no community is left behind in the journey toward better health and well-being.
