POONCH, Aug 30: The Regional Ayurveda Research Institute (RARI) Jammu, under the Tribal Health Care Research Programme–Tribal Sub-Plan (THCRP–TSP), conducted a Healthcare-Seeking Behaviour Survey along with a Free Ayurvedic Medical Camp at Village Loran, Block Mandi, District Poonch.
The programme was organized with the objective of assessing the healthcare-seeking behaviour, health concerns, treatment preferences, and healthcare needs of the local tribal population, while simultaneously providing accessible Ayurvedic healthcare services at the community level.
During the medical camp, beneficiaries availed free Ayurvedic consultation and medicines and received health education on preventive healthcare, balanced nutrition, healthy lifestyle practices, and the importance of timely medical consultation and treatment. The healthcare team also interacted with community members to understand their experiences, healthcare preferences, utilization of available health facilities, and challenges in accessing healthcare services.
As part of the outreach programme, Dr. Poonam Mohod, Research Officer (Ay.) and Co-Investigator, THCRP, delivered an awareness lecture on “Lifestyle Disorders and Their Management.” She highlighted the growing burden of lifestyle-related disorders and sensitized participants on the importance of balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, stress management, healthy daily routines, and preventive healthcare. She further emphasized the role of Ayurveda in promoting health and preventing lifestyle-related disorders through appropriate dietary and lifestyle practices.
Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials focusing on preventive healthcare and healthy lifestyle practices were also distributed among the beneficiaries. The interactive session provided an opportunity for community members to discuss their health concerns and receive guidance from the healthcare team.
The programme served as an effective platform for community engagement, health awareness, and delivery of Ayurvedic healthcare services to the tribal population. The information generated through the Healthcare-Seeking Behaviour Survey will contribute to a better understanding of community-level healthcare needs and support the formulation of appropriate and need-based interventions for tribal and underserved populations.
The initiative reaffirmed the commitment of RARI Jammu under THCRP–TSP towards strengthening tribal healthcare outreach, promoting preventive and promotive healthcare, and improving access to quality Ayurvedic healthcare services in underserved areas.