For many older people in slums and rural areas, quality health care is both unaffordable and inaccessible. Launched in 1982, HelpAge's Mobile Medicare Unit (MMU) tackles this very problem. 50 such units, each manned with a qualified doctor, a pharmacist and a social worker, dispense free treatment and medicines to disadvantaged older people. Nearly 10 lakh treatments were meted out in 2008 - 09.

Each elderly has a medical chart and a constant monitoring of their health is done. In case of complicated cases, the MMUs also make referrals to local hospitals. Many corporate houses have been donating for the running cost of these mobile clinics. This programme enables older people to assume an active role in maintaining and improving their own health and in encouraging others to do the same.

The MMU service has expanded its scope of work immensely, in many areas they have started making home visits to bed ridden patients and are providing physiotherapy, physiological therapy, yoga & meditation classes, shelter assistance, disability aids, counseling and conducting multi-specialty camps. Linkages are also made through some MMus to secure old age pension for beneficiaries by liaisoning with various state governments and helping elders form self help groups.