GANDERBAL, Oct 26: The Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI), Jammu, organised a free medical camp and healthcare-seeking behaviour survey in Wangat Valley, Block Kangan, district Ganderbal, under the Tribal Health Care Research Programme–Tribal Sub Plan (THCRP–TSP) for the financial year 2026–27.
The initiative aimed to improve access to affordable healthcare services among the tribal population and promote awareness of Ayurveda and preventive healthcare practices.
The programme was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Harbans Singh, Institute In-charge and Principal Investigator, THCRP, and the leadership of Dr. Poonam Mohod, Co-Investigator.
During the camp, free Ayurvedic consultations and medicines were provided to local residents. The healthcare-seeking behaviour survey was also conducted to understand healthcare practices and encourage greater awareness of available healthcare services among the community.
As part of the awareness programme, Dr. Shubam Singh Pathania, Senior Research Fellow (SRF), THCRP, delivered an informative lecture on osteoarthritis. He explained the causes and symptoms of the condition, preventive measures, pain management strategies and the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle practices to maintain joint health and improve quality of life.
Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials focusing on preventive healthcare and healthy living were distributed among the beneficiaries to encourage healthier habits and greater awareness of disease prevention.
The participants were also informed about RARI Jammu’s ongoing research activities, community-based healthcare initiatives and efforts to promote Ayurveda among tribal and underserved populations. The interaction highlighted the institute’s role in extending healthcare awareness and supporting community well-being through the THCRP–TSP programme.
The outreach initiative reaffirmed RARI Jammu’s commitment to strengthening community-based healthcare, promoting traditional systems of medicine and extending the benefits of Ayurvedic services to underserved communities.
The programme was carried out by Dr. Shreya Saraf and Dr. Shubam Singh Pathania, Senior Research Fellows under THCRP, along with Popu Ram, Pharmacist, and Sehreen Kouser, Lab Technician, who contributed to the implementation of the healthcare outreach activities.