After starting a floating post office, Jammu and Kashmir government has started a floating healthcare unit for the people living in and around the Dal Lake.

"Initially two shikaras (boats) equipped with medicines and other diagnostic equipments will be pressed into service with three doctors and para-medics, which will cover the entire Dal area and provide medical services to the needy," state health minister Sham Lal Sharma said during the launch of the floating medical unit at Nehru Park last evening.

General OPD, lab tests, immunisation, dental care, ante-natal, post-natal, neo-natal checkups besides awareness about various communicable diseases and their preventive measures would be some of the services provided on the unit, Sharma said.

He said Dal Lake dwellers will get free medical services and all those requiring specialised treatment will be referred to the tertiary health institutions, including JLNM hospital, Gousia hospital and Kashmir Nursing Homes.

The mobile unit will initially operate twice in a week -- on Wednesdays and Saturdays -- and later the duration will be extended according to the requirements, the minister said.

"Basic healthcare is the fundamental right of every citizen and Dal dwellers will also be provided this facility at their doorsteps," he said.

The medical mobile service, which would be known as rashtriya medical mobile unit (RMMU), will provide healthcare to 28 hamlets with an estimated population of 30,000 to 40,000, besides thousands of tourists staying in and around Dal lake, an official spokesman said.

The department of post launched a floating post office in the Dal Lake recently for the convenience of tourists and Dal dwellers.