BHADARWAH, Jul 4: In a significant initiative to improve healthcare access in remote areas, a mega medical outreach camp was organised on Saturday in the roadless hamlets of Banjala and Shankhoja in Doda district, bringing much-needed medical services to hundreds of residents living in difficult terrain.
The camp was jointly organised by the All India People’s Welfare Society (AIPWS), Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Bhadarwah and the Education Department, Doda, with a special focus on serving people belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
More than 150 patients suffering from various ailments were examined by a team of doctors at Government Primary School, Banjala. Free medicines worth thousands of rupees were distributed among the beneficiaries, while patients diagnosed with serious medical conditions were referred to higher healthcare centres for specialised treatment.
Speaking on the occasion, AIPWS State President Zaffar Hussain Wani said the organisation remains committed to extending healthcare services to the most inaccessible areas. He pointed out that Banjala, despite being only about eight kilometres from Bhadarwah town, still lacks motorable road connectivity, forcing residents to undertake long walks for even basic medical facilities. He said the camp was part of the organisation’s ongoing humanitarian efforts to bridge the healthcare gap in remote regions.
The medical camp was inaugurated by Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Koul, Associate NCC Officer at PM Shri Government Higher Secondary School, Bhalra, who highlighted the importance of community participation in improving rural healthcare and welfare.
Besides medical assistance, the organisers also distributed free notebooks among students of Government Primary School, Banjala, to encourage education in the remote village.
During the programme, certificates of appreciation were presented to local residents for their support in organising the camp. The event was attended by Dr. Harish, Assistant Professor at the University of Jammu, Dr. Bhanu from Delhi University, Dr. Rahat and Pharmacist Naveed from SDH Bhadarwah, along with AIPWS General Secretary Umar Farooq Tak, Managing Organiser Anikait Sharma, Treasurer Mohd. Saleem Butt and other volunteers, who contributed to the successful conduct of the outreach programme.