Last Mile Care

Quality Healthcare for Blue and Grey Collar Workers

CURRENT IMPACT

Geographical Focus
  • Odisha and Delhi-NCR
Potential Impact
  • Establish

    3

    health centres

Samridh support

SAMRIDH’s financial support, in the form of returnable grant, is enabling Last Mile Care (LMC) to expand it s efforts in improving healthcare access and affordability for blue and grey-collar workers across India. The funding covers the operational costs of three 1Care health centres and a mobile health van, focusing on early diagnostics and treatment to improve health-seeking behaviors. LMC is establishing a 1Care unit in Meramandali, Odisha, and planning two more centres in Delhi-NCR. A comprehensive referral network with affordable, quality secondary and tertiary care providers is also being established to lower patient costs and ensure integrated healthcare. The services target healthcare providers, caregivers, and blue and grey-collar workers (60% male, 40% female), aiming to improve healthcare access, reduce absenteeism, and lower out-of-pocket expenses. This collaboration is expected to decrease morbidity and create approximately 30x leverage, as LMC plans to raise INR 16 Crores in equity next year.

363,442

Registered factories in India employ 20.3 million workers in the formal sector [1]

1,109

Deaths and over 4,000 injuries occurred annually in registered factories in India over a 4 year period [2]

~12%

Of households in India’s informal sector, representing ~60 million workers, rely on borrowing to cover healthcare costs and medical emergencies [3]

India’s workforce, particularly blue-collar workers, faces significant health challenges stemming from challenging working conditions and limited access to healthcare. These factors leave many workers vulnerable to injuries and debilitating diseases. With inadequate resources and insurance coverage, many struggle to cope with the health risks inherent in their occupations and the potential financial burden of serious illness or injury. This situation underscores the critical need for comprehensive employee wellness programs. These programs can reduce healthcare costs, improve productivity, and decrease absenteeism. However, the challenge lies in effectively implementing such initiatives across India’s vast and diverse workforce in both formal and informal sectors.

[1] Paliath, S., Paliath, S., & Indiaspend. (2023b, January 21). 3 workers die every day in Indian factories, Govt data show. Indiaspend. https://www.indiaspend.com/special-reports/3-workers-die-every-day-in-indian-factories-govt-data-show-850083

[2] iBid

[3] Rajesh Shukla. September 14, 2023.” People Research on India’s Consumer Economy.” 2023

Last Mile Care (LMC) focuses on transforming primary healthcare by offering accessible, affordable services, particularly to blue and grey-collar workers. Through their flagship ‘1Care Health Centres’, LMC combines physical and digital services to provide teleconsultations, affordable medications, diagnostic tests, and health financing. The centres aim to deliver preventive and primary care directly at or near workplaces, funded by employers or aggregators. They enhance health-seeking behaviors through early diagnostics and treatment, while integrating digital records and tele-consultation. Each 1Care clinic, staffed with paramedics and equipped with point-of-care devices, offers screenings, basic diagnostics, and emergency services. The clinics offer teleconsultation with specialistswith linkages to advanced diagnostic and referral services. Through its collaboration with major corporates, LMC has established a presence across 6 states with 15 operational units.