Hyundai Motor India (HMI) has started a satellite-linked mobile health clinic with tele-medicine facility, providing medical aid to the underprivileged villagers in and around its factory with technical support from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), reports PR Wire.

HMI has entered into an agreement with Sri Ramachandra University (SRU, Chennai) to organise a mobile clinic to extend to patients in 20 neighbouring villages. The long-term project will use the services of a medical team consisting of a medical officer, pharmacist, nurse and attendant. Medicines and necessary equipment will be available in the vehicle.

ISRO has provided telemedicine connectivity via an antenna fixed on the mobile van to facilitate interactive treatment connecting both doctor and patients with the main centre at SR medical college.

S. Ganapathy, trustee of the Hyundai Motor India Foundation, stressed the importance of making quality health services available to nearby villagers, which is the primary goal of HMI for 2008. Dr. S. Thanikachalam, chairman and director of SRU, stated that the services will be broadened to include other neighbouring villages. X