Mega Medical Camp Held at Batnard, Nearly 400 Avail Services

Lolab: In a major outreach initiative aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery in remote and border areas, the Block Medical Officer (BMO) Sogam, Dr. Javaid Rasool Shah, in collaboration with Bal Raksha Bharat, organised a day-long mega medical camp at Batnard village in North Lolab’s Khurhama area on Monday.

The camp drew an overwhelming response, with nearly 400 residents availing themselves of various healthcare services. A team of specialist doctors and healthcare professionals, including physicians, gynaecologists, paediatricians, AYUSH medical officers and surgical consultants, provided free consultations and treatment.

Free medicines were distributed among patients, while services such as general OPD, paediatrics, gynaecology, AYUSH consultations and surgical evaluations were offered on-site. Special emphasis was placed on maternal and child healthcare. Expectant mothers received free antenatal care (ANC) check-ups and blood sugar screening as part of targeted interventions.

Under the National Programme for Control of Blindness, 48 presbyopic spectacles were distributed to eligible beneficiaries to address age-related vision problems. Additionally, 25 Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) cards and 22 Vay Vandhana cards were generated during the camp to facilitate access to government health schemes, including benefits under Ayushman Bharat.

The programme also featured awareness sessions focusing on early ANC registration, routine immunisation, HPV vaccination, personal hygiene and the importance of enrolling in public health initiatives such as ABHA and Vay Vandhana schemes.

Speaking on the occasion, BMO Sogam Dr. Shah reiterated the Health Department’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare services to underserved populations. He said such outreach programmes are designed to bridge healthcare gaps and ensure essential medical services reach people in far-flung areas.

Residents of Batnard and adjoining villages appreciated the initiative and expressed gratitude to the Health Department and Bal Raksha Bharat for organising the camp.

The organisers in the meantime asserted that similar camps would be conducted in other remote and border villages in the coming months.