In rural India, nearly 65% of the population still depends on public health infrastructure that is often underfunded, understaffed, and overstretched. According to the National Health Profile (2023), the doctor-to-patient ratio in rural areas remains a stark 1:10,189, far below the WHO’s recommended 1:1000. This gap leaves millions vulnerable to late detection of diseases, untreated chronic conditions, and preventable health crises.

Multiple Indias within Bharath

To make things even more complex, India has different states at varying levels of development. At one end, we have states like Kerala, which have an Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) of just 5. But their challenges going forward will be different. At the other end, we have states like Rajasthan.

To bridge this gap, Truhome Finance, in partnership with Utthaan NGO and DocOnline, has launched the “Screening the Unscreened” program—an initiative that will conduct 80 mobile health camps across rural Rajasthan, reaching thousands of villagers with limited access to essential care.

“At Truhome, we believe that access to healthcare is as essential as access to finance,” said Amit Bhatia, President, Truhome Finance. “Through this initiative, we are making a difference in rural lives by enabling early detection and timely medical care. Our aim is to build healthier, more empowered communities.”

The centrepiece of the program is a Mobile Screening Van, staffed by a five-member medical team including doctors, phlebotomists, an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM), and a pharmacist. Equipped with point-of-care diagnostic devices, these vans will bring preventive and primary healthcare directly to villages. Tests will be followed by doctor consultations, during which patients will receive essential medicines on-site.

Crucially, the initiative doesn’t stop at one-time interventions. Once diagnostic reports are ready, patients will also have access to online consultations, ensuring that treatment continues beyond the camp.

“The program ensures that no villager is left behind when it comes to healthcare,” said Anup Tiwari, Chief Community Health Officer, DocOnline. “By combining on-ground screening with digital follow-ups, we are not only diagnosing conditions early but also guiding patients through complete care pathways.

The need for such continuity is urgent. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease now account for over 60% of all deaths in India, with rural communities disproportionately affected because conditions are often detected too late. By introducing hybrid screening models, the program addresses not only diagnosis but also long-term care — a challenge that many rural health efforts have struggled to overcome.

For Utthaan NGO, this partnership builds on their grassroots mission of empowerment.

“At Utthaan, we are committed to empowering underserved communities, and we believe that access to healthcare is a critical step towards that goal,” said Rajneesh Jain, Secretary, Utthaan NGO. “By partnering with Truhome Finance and DocOnline to launch the Mobile Health Clinic, we are not only addressing immediate health needs but also fostering long-term well-being.”

The program directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals — particularly SDG 3 (Good Health & Wellbeing), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Why This Matters

• Rajasthan ranks among the bottom five states in India in terms of healthcare access (NITI Aayog Health Index, 2022).
• Only 11% of rural households in India have health insurance (NFHS-5, 2021), underscoring the critical importance of preventive programs.
• Mobile health models have been shown to increase early detection rates of hypertension and diabetes by up to 30% in rural pilot studies (Lancet Regional Health, 2021).

The “Screening the Unscreened” program is more than just a healthcare initiative—it is a blueprint for last-mile delivery that could be scaled across other underserved regions of India. If successful, it has the potential to transform the way rural healthcare is envisioned, shifting from a reactive to a preventive approach, and from inaccessible to inclusive.