KISHTWAR, November 2, 2026 – Emphasizing the critical need to bridge the healthcare gap in difficult-to-access terrains, Union Minister of State (PMO) Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated a Mega Army Medical Specialist Camp in Kishtwar on Sunday. Organized by the Northern Army, the camp aimed to bring essential and specialized healthcare services directly to the residents of remote and hilly areas.
During his inaugural address, Dr. Singh expressed profound gratitude to the armed forces, highlighting that while the Army’s bravery during wartime is universally celebrated, its immense contributions during peacetime—particularly in ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of citizens in terror-affected and geographically isolated regions—often go unnoticed.
The Union Minister pointed out that organizing such specialized medical camps is crucial for remote areas where routine access to healthcare remains a severe challenge due to poor road connectivity and a chronic shortage of medical personnel. He recalled that similar successful medical outreach programs had recently been organized by the Army in Basantgarh and Dudu to assist marginalized populations.
The Kishtwar camp witnessed an overwhelming response from the local community. Dr. Singh noted that nearly 3,000 residents had availed themselves of medical check-ups and treatments in just the first half of the day, with the overall beneficiary count expected to cross 6,000 people.
Focusing on sustainable health outcomes, Dr. Singh announced that a robust feedback mechanism is being established in coordination with the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and civilian health authorities. This mechanism will facilitate a comprehensive epidemiological assessment to identify area-specific disease prevalence, allowing the government to plan highly focused, need-based healthcare interventions in the future.
Citing data from previous camps, the Minister highlighted a high prevalence of eye-related ailments in the region, particularly preventable cataracts. He stressed the urgency of timely screening and surgical interventions to prevent avoidable blindness and directed authorities to maintain strict medical records to ensure follow-up treatments for affected patients.
The Mega Medical Camp also featured the free distribution of crucial assistive devices, including walking aids, hearing aids, and prescription spectacles, to physically challenged and elderly patients.
Dr. Singh lauded the Indian Army for consistently facilitating the deployment of highly qualified specialist doctors from military hospitals in Udhampur and other commands for these civilian outreach programs.
The event saw the attendance of key military and civilian dignitaries, including Major General Ajai Singh Dabas (General Officer Commanding, Counter-Insurgency Force – Delta), Leader of Opposition in the J&K Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma, Kishtwar MLA Shagun Parihar, Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Sharma, and BJP District President Ravi Parihar.
Published by True Roots Media Network