The Floating Homoeopathy Dispensary project is an innovative initiative by the Kerala Homoeopathy Department aimed at delivering healthcare services to the residents of waterlogged and backwater regions in the Alappuzha district. This unique project addresses the healthcare needs of people living in these remote areas who face significant challenges due to their geographical and socio-economic conditions.

The backwater areas, surrounded by water and dense vegetation, are highly prone to the spread of communicable diseases through water, mosquitoes, birds, and rodents. These regions, predominantly inhabited by farmers, agricultural labourers, fishermen, and daily wage workers, consist mainly of socially and economically disadvantaged communities. Recognizing the urgent healthcare needs, the Homoeopathy Department launched the first Floating Dispensary in June 2013. The project's success led to the establishment of two additional dispensaries

Kuttanad, located below sea level, frequently experiences floods, especially during the monsoon season. The lack of adequate hospitals, accessible roads, and other essential infrastructure further exacerbates the living conditions of the local population. These factors contribute to the frequent outbreak of infectious diseases, emphasizing the need for accessible healthcare solutions like the Floating Homoeopathy Dispensary.

Objectives and Deliverables

• Home Visits: The medical team visits bedridden and elderly patients at their homes to provide necessary treatment and healthcare support.
• School and Anganwadi Visits: Regular visits to local schools and Anganwadis to monitor and address children's learning disabilities and behavioral issues through appropriate medical interventions.
• Flood Relief Camps: During flood emergencies, the medical team visits relief camps, provides medical care, and distributes preventive medicines to combat potential outbreaks of infectious diseases.

Operational Model

Each Floating Dispensary consists of a medical team comprising a Medical Officer, Pharmacist, Attender and volunteer. The team follows a pre-scheduled timetable, ensuring regular service delivery across various centers. Each dispensary has a designated base station from where the boat departs daily. Services are provided from 9 AM to 2 PM on all working days. In emergency situations, the dispensaries operate even on Sundays. Additionally, the boats can be utilized as ambulances during critical situations, offering vital healthcare support to the community when needed.