Kishtwar: More than 3,100 people benefited from free healthcare services on the first day of a two-day mega medical camp organised by the Indian Army under Operation Sadbhavana at the Advanced Landing Ground (ALG), Kishtwar, on Sunday.
According to an Army statement, approximately 3,106 beneficiaries, including women, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities from Kishtwar and adjoining remote areas, availed themselves of medical consultations, diagnostic facilities and other healthcare services during the opening day.
Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh attended the camp as the chief guest and appreciated the Army’s efforts to extend specialised healthcare services to people living in remote and geographically difficult areas.
A multidisciplinary team comprising physicians, ophthalmologists, paediatricians, orthopaedic specialists, nephrologists, anaesthetists, ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists and dental professionals provided free consultations, medical examinations and medicines to patients.
Diagnostic facilities, including Complete Blood Count (CBC), haemoglobin (Hb) and Random Blood Sugar (RBS) tests, were also made available free of cost to facilitate medical assessments and identification of health conditions.
The Army said special attention was given to the healthcare requirements of women, children, senior citizens and other vulnerable sections of society.
A dedicated Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) registration counter was established at the venue to facilitate the creation of digital health IDs for beneficiaries.
Assistive devices, including wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, walking sticks and hearing aids, were distributed among eligible beneficiaries following medical assessments.
Apart from healthcare services, the camp featured dedicated facilitation counters for Veer Naris and ex-servicemen, where assistance was provided regarding pensions, documentation, welfare schemes and grievance redressal.
A separate youth facilitation stall offered guidance on Agniveer recruitment, eligibility requirements, selection procedures and career opportunities in the defence forces.
Representatives from Jammu and Kashmir Bank, HDFC Bank and the State Bank of India (SBI) also participated in the programme, providing information about banking facilities and financial services.
Officials from the Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Health departments set up information counters to familiarise visitors with government welfare schemes, agricultural and horticultural practices, animal husbandry and livelihood opportunities.
The Army said the initiative was intended to improve access to essential healthcare services in remote communities while providing residents with information about welfare programmes and employment opportunities.
The medical camp, organised under Operation Sadbhavana as part of the Army’s community outreach activities, will continue on Monday, November 2, with further medical consultations and assistance for beneficiaries from Kishtwar and surrounding areas.
