SRINAGAR, Farhan Kitab (KIMS) — In an outreach initiative aimed at improving healthcare access in remote areas, NoorKash Foundation in collaboration with Khanqa-e-Hydari on Wednesday organised a free medical camp at Akad village in the Seer hamlet of Anantnag district in South Kashmir.
The camp witnessed an overwhelming response, with around 300 patients availing free medical consultations and medicines.
Residents from Akad and nearby hamlets turned up in large numbers, underlining the acute lack of basic healthcare facilities in the area.
A team of doctors examined patients suffering from various ailments, while free medicines were distributed on the spot to ensure immediate relief.
Doctors at the camp expressed concern over the health condition of women and children. “A large number of women and children were found to be anaemic, which is a serious concern. There is an urgent need for awareness about proper nutrition, a balanced diet and regular health check-ups,” one of the doctors said, advising families to pay special attention to dietary habits, particularly for growing children and expecting mothers.
Chairperson of Smile Foundation, Masrat Jan, who attended the programme as the chief guest, lauded the efforts of NoorKash Foundation and Khanqa-e-Hydari for reaching out to underserved communities.
She said such initiatives play a crucial role in bridging healthcare gaps in far-flung areas and assured continued support from Smile Foundation for similar welfare activities in the future.
Members of Smile Foundation, while interacting with locals, announced that a similar medical camp would be organised in the area in January to ensure continuity of healthcare services and follow-up for patients requiring further medical attention.
Chairman of Khanqa-e-Hydari, Dr Sameer Shafi Siddiqui, emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in addressing public issues. “People today face multiple challenges, particularly related to health. There is a strong need to organise such events regularly for the benefit of the public,” he said.
Muntazir Shah, a member of Noorkash Foundation, said the organisation has been actively working in the healthcare sector across Kashmir. “We have conducted dozens of free medical camps in far-flung and underserved areas of the Valley during 2024 and will continue this work in the coming times,” he said.
Another member, Fazil Ahmad, said several areas in Kashmir still lack adequate healthcare facilities. “Our aim is to reach areas facing serious healthcare challenges and provide basic medical services. This is not a one-day effort but a continuous mission to serve humanity,” he said.
Locals appreciated the initiative and urged authorities and non-governmental organisations to organise such camps more frequently, saying free medical camps provide much-needed relief to poor and marginalised families who struggle to afford healthcare. — (KIMS)