Kashmir Resident Donates Land for First Aid Centre in Remote Doda Village, Boosting Rural Healthcare | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: A Muslim resident of a remote village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district has donated his private land for the construction of a public health facility, addressing a long-standing gap in basic healthcare access in the region.

Rafi Ahmed, a resident of Phagsoo village in the hilly Chenab Valley, has voluntarily donated one kanal (20 marlas) of land to the government for setting up a First Aid Centre. The land, recorded under Khasra number 566, has been formally transferred to the Revenue Department for use by the Health Department, according to official records.

The proposed First Aid Centre is expected to serve Phagsoo and several surrounding villages, where residents currently have to travel considerable distances over difficult terrain to access even primary medical assistance. The absence of nearby emergency and first-response facilities has been a persistent concern for locals, particularly during harsh weather conditions.
In an affidavit submitted to the authorities, Ahmed has clearly stated that the land donation has been made voluntarily, without any pressure, inducement, or expectation of compensation. He has also affirmed that he will not seek employment, monetary benefits, or any other consideration from the government. The affidavit specifies that ownership and possession of the land will vest permanently with the Health Department and that no objections will be raised during construction or future use of the facility.

Local officials confirmed that the legal formalities for the land transfer have been completed and that the proposal will now be processed in accordance with established government procedures.

Healthcare infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir remains uneven, particularly in remote and mountainous districts such as Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban. In this context, the donation has been widely welcomed by residents as a rare and timely initiative that could significantly improve emergency medical response at the village level.

Once approved and constructed, the First Aid Centre is expected to provide essential healthcare services to the local population, reinforcing the principle that access to health and welfare transcends religious and social boundaries in the region.

(The news item was reported by Anzer Ayoob to Kashmir Life voluntarily.)