Chennai-based SIMS Hospital has introduced a pioneering mobile healthcare initiative aimed at bridging the urban–rural healthcare divide. Named SIMS Hello Doctor – Health on Wheels, the project is being described as India’s first fully digital, round-the-clock medical bus, bringing essential medical services and specialist consultations directly to underserved communities.
Designed to function as a moving healthcare unit, the bus offers a range of services including primary consultations, preventive health screenings, vaccinations, and basic diagnostic tests. These services are supported by a 24×7 medical backend, enabling patients to access specialist and super-specialist advice through real-time teleconsultations without travelling long distances.
The initiative was formally flagged off by Thiru. Ma. Subramanian, Hon’ble Minister for Health & Medical Education, Government of Tamil Nadu, in the presence of Tmt. Tamilachi Thangapandiyan, Member of Parliament (South Chennai), Thiru. A.M.V. Prabhakara Raja, MLA, Virugambakkam, and Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu, Chairman, SRM Group.
A key feature of the mobile unit is its completely paperless and integrated patient care system. From digital registration and consultations to diagnostics, referrals, and follow-ups, the process is designed to be seamless, reducing waiting times and eliminating the need for repeated hospital visits. The bus also supports vaccination-on-wheels, preventive health check packages, and early risk identification through structured screenings.
Preventive care and wellness form the backbone of the Hello Doctor programme. Special emphasis is placed on early detection of non-communicable diseases, particularly in rural and marginalised populations where access to timely diagnosis is often limited.
Beyond individual consultations, the medical bus will regularly conduct targeted health camps across industries, educational institutions, and villages. These camps will include comprehensive health check-ups, awareness programmes on healthy living, and sessions focused on early intervention. Patient engagement is further strengthened through an AI-enabled chatbot, which assists with appointment scheduling, guided support, and access to reliable health information.
Under its Mission SIMS VILLAGE initiative, the hospital plans to identify and adopt villages through the mobile unit, ensuring continued access to preventive, diagnostic, and consultative services. Communities can also connect with the programme through the dedicated helpline 044 2001 2001, reinforcing last-mile healthcare delivery.
Speaking at the launch, Thiru. Ma. Subramanian said, “Initiatives such as Hello Doctor Health on Wheels play an important role in strengthening the public healthcare ecosystem by ensuring that medical services reach people where they live. This step signifies the future of healthcare—one that is inclusive, preventive, and accessible. I appreciate SIMS Hospital for taking this forward towards community well-being.”
Tmt. Tamilachi Thangapandiyan highlighted Tamil Nadu’s growing global healthcare reputation, stating, “Tamil Nadu has gained a global recognition as a preferred destination for medical tourism, offering advanced treatments, skilled doctors. Growing number of foreign patients are choosing Tamil Nadu for affordable and high-quality medical care, strengthening state’s position as a leading healthcare hub in India. I also commend Mr. Ravi Pachamuthu and the SIMS Hospital team for their consistent efforts in delivering quality healthcare services to rural communities, ensuring equitable access to medical care for all.”
Sharing the hospital’s vision, Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu, Chairman, SRM Group, said, “At SIMS Hospital, our vision has always been to go beyond hospital walls and reach patients where they need us the most. SIMS Hello Doctor – Health on Wheels reflects our commitment to preventive healthcare, early intervention, and technology-driven care. This 24×7 mobile healthcare service will not only improve health outcomes but also empower communities with awareness and timely medical guidance.”
The launch of SIMS Hello Doctor – Health on Wheels represents a major step toward community-centric, technology-enabled healthcare, redefining how medical services are delivered to India’s rural and underserved populations.
(Photo courtesy: facebook/simshospitals)