LEH, Oct 22: The Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI), Jammu, in collaboration with HelpAge India, organised a free Ayurvedic medical camp at the HelpAge India Old Age Home in Shey, district Leh, under the Tribal Health Care Research Programme (THCRP).
The initiative was undertaken under the leadership of Dr. Harbans Singh, Head of RARI Jammu, which functions under the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
The camp aimed to improve access to healthcare, promote health awareness and encourage preventive healthcare practices among beneficiaries, particularly elderly and vulnerable populations.
Alongside providing medical services, the THCRP team conducted a Healthcare-Seeking Behaviour Survey to assess healthcare utilisation patterns, health-related concerns and challenges faced by the local population in accessing medical facilities. Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials were also distributed to beneficiaries to promote healthy lifestyle practices and disseminate essential health information.
During the programme, Dr. Sanjana Sharma, Senior Research Fellow (SRF), THCRP, delivered an awareness lecture on lifestyle disorders. She highlighted the growing burden of non-communicable diseases and emphasised the importance of a balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, stress management and routine health check-ups in preventing and managing chronic conditions.
She sensitised beneficiaries to the importance of adopting healthy habits and making informed decisions to improve their overall well-being.
Dr. Mohd Moein, SRF, THCRP, conducted another awareness session focusing on hypertension. He highlighted the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring, early detection, reduced salt intake, dietary modifications and physical activity. He also stressed adherence to prescribed treatment and timely medical consultation to reduce the risk of complications associated with uncontrolled high blood pressure.
The distribution of IEC materials reinforced the key messages shared during the awareness sessions and encouraged beneficiaries to adopt preventive healthcare measures.
The initiative reflects RARI Jammu’s continued efforts, under the leadership of Dr. Harbans Singh, to extend healthcare outreach to underserved communities in Ladakh through community-based interventions, health education and research-oriented activities under THCRP.
The collaboration with HelpAge India also highlighted the importance of institutional partnerships in improving healthcare awareness and access to medical services, particularly for elderly people and other vulnerable sections of society.