Srinagar, Sep 05: The 17 Infantry Brigade of Nowgam in Handwara on Thursday organised a mega medical and veterinary camp in the Nowgam Sector near the Line of Control.
The camp was set up as a general facility to benefit people living in remote and high-altitude areas, especially Bakarwals, Gujjars and other communities who travel long distances to graze their cattle and livestock.
The camp witnessed a large turnout, with families arriving from different areas to seek both medical and veterinary help.
Several doctors from various fields, including general medicine and veterinary care, attended the camp. More than 700 patients were treated on the spot and were given free medicines. An ECG facility was also established along with other essential diagnostic services, ensuring that people could access treatments that are otherwise out of their reach.
Locals said the initiative provided much-needed relief. “It takes us an entire day to reach a hospital in Handwara, but such camps make it easier for us. We are usually engaged with our livestock, and our earnings are just enough to get by,” said Farid Khan, a resident of Tangdar. Another woman, Nusrat, who had been facing health problems, described doorstep consultation as a welcome step. “Getting treatment here saves both time and money. For women like us, this is a big relief,” she said.
Some families had travelled from as far as Rajouri to graze their sheep and cattle in the Nowgam Sector. For them, the camp was a rare opportunity. “If we have to go to Handwara, the fare is around Rs 1,000, which we simply cannot afford. These camps are very useful for people like us,” said Mohammad Aslam, one of the participants, who expressed gratitude to the Army for organizing the event.
For communities living in far-flung areas, access to healthcare often means long travel and heavy expenses. Camps like the one in Nowgam not only bring medical and veterinary services to their doorstep but also help bridge the gap between locals and the administration. Participants said they hoped similar initiatives would continue in the future.
