Onlykashmir.in News Desk
More than 5,800 patients benefited from free specialist health services at a two-day Mega Medical Camp organised by the Indian Army under Operation Sadbhavana in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, which concluded on Monday.
The camp offered specialist medical consultations and diagnostic services, including Complete Blood Count, haemoglobin and random blood sugar tests. Registrations under the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) were also carried out, and medicines were distributed on a large scale. Assistive aids such as wheelchairs, crutches, walking sticks, walkers and hearing aids were handed over to those in need. Special awareness sessions were held for women, the elderly and children.
The camp went beyond healthcare. Dedicated stalls for Veer Naris and ex-servicemen addressed veterans’ welfare, pension and documentation issues. A Youth Facilitation Stall drew enthusiastic participation from local youth seeking guidance on Agniveer recruitment and career opportunities in the Defence Forces. Stalls run by J&K Bank, HDFC Bank, SBI and the Departments of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Health provided information on government schemes, banking, horticulture and livelihood generation.
Officials described the event as an example of the Army’s commitment to humanitarian assistance, inclusive development and community welfare. By combining specialist healthcare, diagnostics, ABHA registration, distribution of aids, veterans’ welfare, youth guidance and livelihood awareness, the initiative addressed several local needs under one roof. It further strengthened what the Army calls the Army-Awam bond, reaffirming the commitment of the Indian Army and Northern Command to the well-being and socio-economic progress of remote hinterland areas.
Kishtwar is a mountainous district where access to specialist medical care is limited by terrain and distance, and residents of far-flung villages often travel long hours for even basic diagnostics. A camp of this scale, with specialists, tests and equipment available in one place, therefore carries real value for the elderly, persons with disabilities and families who cannot easily reach district hospitals. The assistive devices alone can make a lasting difference to mobility and independence.
Operation Sadbhavana is the Army’s long-running outreach programme in Jammu and Kashmir, covering healthcare, education, infrastructure and skill development. The Kishtwar camp followed the same approach, bringing together the Army, civil administration and health authorities. The local populace lauded their joint efforts, which they described as a noble pursuit that responded directly to the needs of the area.
