School children bring grandparents to health camp in Bandipora

A free health and screening camp for senior citizens was successfully conducted at Ayushman Arogya Mandir (Sub Centre), Laharwalpora, Bandipora, under the initiative SENIORS’ Heart Care, under the aegis of the JK Bank Heart Clinic on Wheels, organised by Moul Mouj Foundation in collaboration with Ummeed Foundation and GK Labs.

A total of 164 senior citizens were examined and provided with free consultations, on-spot investigations, and medicines. The camp followed a point-of-care model, where diagnosis and treatment were delivered within 20 minutes, ensuring immediate medical attention and reducing delays in care in far flung areas.

One of the most notable highlights of the camp was the active involvement of local school students, who brought their grandparents for screening. This created a meaningful intergenerational interaction, where students gained first-hand understanding of the health challenges faced by their elders. They were sensitised about warning signs of hypoglycaemia, high blood pressure, and common geriatric issues. In addition, students were given hands-on training in the use of digital blood pressure monitors, glucometers, and pulse oximeters. Their enthusiasm and receptiveness reflected a growing awareness towards elder care and responsibility at the family level. The camp revealed a significant burden of uncontrolled non-communicable diseases among seniors, with blood pressure readings as high as 250/120 mmHg and blood sugar levels reaching up to 465 mg/dL. Nearly 60% of patients also reported constipation, highlighting a common yet often neglected concern in elderly health. Addressing the gathering, Dr  Zubair Saleem, Senior Geriatric Consultant, emphasised the importance of regular medication adherence, routine monitoring, and dietary modifications. He advised seniors to prevent constipation through adequate hydration, increased intake of fibre-rich foods such as vegetables and fruits, regular physical activity, and avoiding unnecessary use of laxatives.

He also expressed his gratitude to Dr Jehangir Bakshi, Director Health Services, Kashmir and the health department for their continued support and collaboration. Javaid Jawad, a State Award-winning teacher who coordinated and mobilised the camp at the local level, expressed satisfaction with the services, particularly appreciating the availability of free care, prompt diagnosis, and doorstep accessibility. The camp reinforced the importance of community-based outreach models in addressing the hidden burden of chronic diseases and demonstrated how healthcare, when combined with awareness and family involvement, can significantly improve the quality of life of senior citizens.