DH NEWS SERVICE
Rajouri, july 13
In a significant humanitarian initiative, the Indian Army organized a dedicated medical patrol for the underserved Gujjar and Bakarwal communities in the remote village of Khodra, situated in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. This noble effort, held on 13 July 2025, reflects the Indian Army’s continued commitment to its ethos of service, compassion, and deep-rooted connection with the local population, commonly referred to as Awam.
Renowned for its professionalism, discipline, and humane approach, the Indian Army has time and again extended its services beyond its primary duty of ensuring national security. This time, it stepped in to address the pressing healthcare challenges faced by nomadic and tribal communities living in the inaccessible terrains of Rajouri, where access to quality medical facilities remains limited.
Organized by the Army unit stationed at Samote, the medical patrol at Khodra village provided free medical consultation, treatment, and medicines to around 40 local residents.
The beneficiaries, mostly from the Gujjar and Bakarwal tribes, included elderly citizens, women, and children who otherwise face significant difficulties in availing timely healthcare due to lack of transport, distance from primary health centres, and economic constraints.
The Army medical team, comprising trained doctors and health professionals, ensured comprehensive healthcare services during the patrol. The patients were examined for common ailments, seasonal infections, and chronic conditions, with medicines being distributed free of cost. The medical officers also shared basic health education tips, emphasizing hygiene, nutrition, and preventive care – crucial elements in improving overall community health in such remote areas.
Residents of Khodra expressed immense gratitude to the Indian Army for reaching out with such a meaningful and timely initiative. Many villagers stated that they often have to travel long distances to seek medical attention, which is both time-consuming and financially burdensome. For them, the presence of Army doctors at their doorstep was a welcome relief and a reassurance of continued support.
This outreach is not just about delivering healthcare – it also plays a vital role in strengthening the people-to-Army relationship, which is pivotal in maintaining peace and fostering trust in border and conflict-sensitive areas. The villagers noted that such efforts reflect the Army’s deep understanding of local challenges and its readiness to step beyond the call of duty to serve the people.
This medical patrol is part of a larger vision by the Indian Army to bridge the gap between remote communities and essential services through its various civic action programs under Operation Sadbhavna. Through such initiatives, the Army continues to not only safeguard the nation’s borders but also contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic upliftment of regions that often remain on the margins.
The successful conduct of the medical patrol at Khodra once again reaffirms the Indian Army’s role as a guardian not just of national security but also of the nation’s people – a force that protects, empowers, and heals.
