Mobile Clinic: Practical Guide to Setting Up and Running One

A mobile clinic brings basic healthcare to people who can't reach a hospital or clinic. It’s a van, bus, tent or converted vehicle stocked to provide screenings, vaccinations, wound care and health education. You can focus on rural areas, homeless communities, schools or disaster zones.

Planning and goals

Start by defining what services you will offer and who you will serve. Pick 2–5 core services — for example blood pressure checks, diabetes screening, vaccinations and basic first aid — so you can buy focused supplies and train staff properly. Map target locations using local health data, community leaders and simple surveys. Schedule visits so people know when the clinic will show up.

Vehicle, equipment and supplies

Choose a vehicle that fits your services and budget; a small van works for screenings, a larger bus is better for multiple exam rooms. Fit it with a reliable exam table, sharps and biohazard containers, a fridge for vaccines, portable oxygen if needed, and a secure cabinet for medicines. Keep a checklist for consumables — gloves, syringes, test strips — and restock after every session. Consider solar power, a portable printer and a Wi‑Fi hotspot to record patient data.

A small team can run an effective clinic: one nurse or clinician, a driver/assistant and a community outreach worker. Train everyone on infection control, patient confidentiality and simple triage. Use task-sharing: a trained community worker can handle registration and education while clinical staff focus on exams and treatments. Plan for local language needs and cultural sensitivity by hiring or training staff from the community.

Set up a clear flow: registration, screening, exam, treatment or referral, and follow-up. Use simple paper forms or a digital tool to capture name, contact, vitals and medications. Limit visit time to keep the line moving; offer appointment slots if demand is high. Provide printed after-care instructions and a follow-up phone number. If a case needs more care, have referral agreements with nearby clinics or hospitals.

Look for funding from local health departments, NGOs, corporate sponsors or small grants. Partner with pharmacies, labs and hospitals for discounts and referrals. Check local rules for dispensing medicines, vaccine storage and medical waste. Carry liability insurance and a basic consent form for patients.

Track simple metrics: number of patients seen, vaccinations given, referrals made and follow-up success. Use short patient surveys to measure satisfaction. Share results with partners and funders to keep support steady.

Start small, test one route, collect feedback and scale when systems work. Communicate schedules on social media and with community leaders. Keep spare parts for the vehicle and a first aid kit for staff. Consistency builds trust; show up on time.

Consider telehealth follow-ups to reduce travel, and partner with local pharmacies to deliver medicines. Train staff in basic mental health first aid and domestic violence referrals. Keep a simple emergency plan and run monthly vehicle and inventory checks to avoid surprises. Record lessons learned after each trip now.