Extending essential healthcare services to residents of remote and underserved areas of Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army has successfully concluded a two-day Mega Medical Camp at Government Higher Secondary School, Basantgarh, under Operation Sadbhavana, with 2,130 patients registered over October 17 and 18.
The initiative reflects the Army’s continued efforts to bridge gaps in healthcare access in geographically challenging regions, where distance and limited medical facilities can make timely treatment difficult for local communities.
The camp brought together medical specialists and healthcare professionals to provide consultations and treatment across multiple disciplines, including general medicine, paediatrics, orthopaedics, ophthalmology, dental care, cardiac screening, respiratory medicine and ear, nose and throat (ENT) services.
Particular attention was given to the healthcare requirements of women, children, senior citizens and economically disadvantaged families, ensuring that vulnerable sections of the population could access essential medical assistance close to home.
Free medicines and assistive devices distributed:
Beyond medical consultations, the camp provided free medicines and essential assistive devices to beneficiaries according to their individual needs.
The assistance included 150 cervical collars, 150 knee caps, 150 pairs of reading glasses, 100 walking sticks, 16 hearing aids and 10 wheelchairs. These provisions were aimed at supporting patients with mobility challenges, visual difficulties and other specific medical requirements.
The medical outreach also focused on preventive healthcare, early identification of medical conditions and guidance on further treatment wherever necessary. Such interventions can help patients recognise health concerns at an earlier stage and seek appropriate follow-up care.
Dr. Jitendra Singh visits camp, appreciates Army’s efforts:
On October 18, Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office and Member of Parliament from the Udhampur constituency, attended the camp as the chief guest.
He interacted with medical professionals, beneficiaries and local residents and appreciated the Indian Army’s efforts to extend essential healthcare services to people living in remote areas.
The participation of the Union Minister highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts to improve access to healthcare and address the needs of communities facing geographical and economic barriers.
Operation Sadbhavana: Healthcare as a bridge to community welfare:
Operation Sadbhavana represents the Indian Army’s outreach efforts aimed at supporting communities through welfare-oriented initiatives, including healthcare, education and community development.
In areas where difficult terrain and limited infrastructure can complicate access to essential services, medical camps provide an important avenue for bringing specialist consultations and basic treatment directly to residents.
The Basantgarh camp also illustrates how sustained community engagement can strengthen public confidence and build relationships between the Army and the local population. While medical camps cannot replace regular healthcare infrastructure, they can provide timely assistance, identify unmet medical needs and encourage people to seek appropriate treatment.
The successful conclusion of the two-day initiative reinforces the Indian Army’s commitment to humanitarian assistance and community welfare under Operation Sadbhavana.
Through its continued outreach to remote communities, the Army seeks to translate service into tangible benefits for local residents, helping build a healthier and more resilient society.
