Architecture Discipline’s design for Mohalla Clinics receives recognition from INDE Awards in its Influencer Category, celebrating projects that represent how design impacts the Asia Pacific region and the world at large.
The Mohalla Clinic is a solution developed for the Delhi Government, bringing affordable primary healthcare to regions with limited access to larger health facilities. The first two units have been set up in urban settlements of Rani Bagh and Shakur Basti, Delhi, India. In the next phase of deployment, up to 500 units will be stationed in various urban settlements in Delhi.
Made from recycled shipping containers, the clinic comprises a reception, a waiting lounge, an examination room, and a pharmacy accessible from outside, making it suitable for routine health checks, testing, vaccinations, and purchasing medicines.
Composed of two 20-foot-long containers, the Mohalla Clinic can be entirely prefabricated with minimal on-site construction and greater quality control. Because of this, the clinic can be deployed rapidly within three to fifteen days, depending on the time taken for container procurement. Factory production can minimise the duration to 2-3 days. In addition, the Mohalla Clinic can be situated virtually anywhere, and can even be airlifted to emergency situations such as disaster-struck regions or war zones.
The clinic’s interior finishes have been centred around creating an optimistic and clean environment for patients. The containers are thermally insulated for protection from heat and lined with VOC-free plywood. Interior finishes have been designed to be maintained easily, with anti-microbial vinyl flooring and medical-grade stainless steel countertops. The clinic’s air-conditioning system has been fitted with microfilters to maintain air quality and filter out pollution. Windows with heat-resistant glass allow the clinic to be naturally lit without excessive heat ingress.
By taking something forgotten and giving it a new lease of life, the Mohalla Clinics propose a sustainable solution to the global health infrastructure crisis.