Srinagar

In an outreach effort aimed at bridging the healthcare gap in remote areas, the Army has organised a large-scale medical camp in a village in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district, offering free consultations and treatment to residents, officials said on Wednesday.

"The Indian Army's Anderwan Camp organized a large-scale medical camp in the remote area of Anderwan Yarmuqam in the central Kashmir district, extending much-needed healthcare services to a region long deprived of basic medical access," officials said.

They said the camp witnessed an overwhelming response, with thousands of locals from far-flung villages turning up to avail free medical consultation and treatment.

"For many residents, this was the first time they had access to qualified doctors and proper medical facilities without having to travel long distances through difficult terrain," officials said.

A team of experienced Army doctors and medical staff conducted thorough health check-ups, diagnosing a wide range of ailments and distributing free medicines on the spot, they said.

The initiative proved crucial for elderly patients, women, and children who often remain cut-off from regular healthcare services due to poor connectivity and lack of infrastructure, they added.

The Army also focused on awareness among schoolchildren, who were informed about the importance of hygiene, sanitation, and basic life-saving techniques like CPR.

These sessions aimed at building long-term awareness and empowering the younger generation with essential knowledge that can make a real difference in emergencies, officials said.

They said locals expressed deep appreciation for the initiative, saying besides medical relief, such efforts bring a sense of connection and support from the forces.

Many described the camp as a rare and much-needed intervention in an area where healthcare access remains a persistent challenge.

Army officials reiterated their commitment to continue such outreach programmes in the future, particularly in remote and underserved regions.

READ MORE: Pahalgam attack anniversary: Memorial for Adil, 25 tourists mocks Pak's treachery

They said efforts will be sustained to ensure that essential medical services reach even the most isolated communities.

This initiative stands as a practical step toward bridging the healthcare gap in remote areas, where access is limited and needs are high, officials added.