Naveed Ul Haq Ganaiee
Budgam, Jul 13: A mega medical and veterinary camp was organised during the annual Gujar Mela at Korag Forest in the Doodhpathri area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district, with around 145 people from the local community availing free healthcare services.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the camp was organised jointly by the Indian Army’s 53 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and the Voice of People Society.
Doctors examined patients and distributed free medicines, while a parallel veterinary camp provided treatment and free medicines for livestock, including cows, sheep, horses and goats, which remain the primary source of livelihood for many families in the area.
The programme also featured sports and recreational activities for local youth and children. Winners of various competitions were awarded certificates, cash prizes and gifts.
Several residents spoke to KNO, welcoming the initiative. They said such outreach programmes are particularly beneficial in far-flung areas where access to healthcare and veterinary services is limited.
“These camps save us the trouble of travelling long distances for treatment. At the same time, our livestock, which our families depend on, also receive timely medical care. We hope such programmes are organised more frequently,” said a local resident.
Officials associated with the programme said the initiative was aimed at extending healthcare services to the population living in the area while also addressing the medical needs of their livestock.
The event was attended by Commanding Officer Colonel Nitin, Major Faizan, Major Rajat, the Nodal Officer for Tribal Affairs, Budgam, and other civil and Army officials—(KNO)
