DH NEWS SERVICE
Rajouri, Sept 14
In a reaffirmation of its commitment to the well-being of citizens living in far-flung and border areas, the Indian Army conducted a comprehensive medical patrol in the remote village of Kothra, located in Tehsil Darhal of Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir. This initiative was designed to extend essential healthcare services to the underserved local population, who often face significant challenges in accessing timely medical care due to the geographical remoteness of the region and the lack of adequate medical infrastructure.
The medical patrol was led by a team of Army healthcare professionals who set up a temporary medical aid post within the village and began providing free consultations and medicines to those in need. A total of 20 men, 25 women, and 10 children, along with several other members of the community, were examined and treated for common ailments such as seasonal infections, joint pains, gastrointestinal issues, and skin conditions. For many of these residents, this was their first opportunity in months to receive a proper medical check-up, making the initiative particularly meaningful and impactful.
Beyond the provision of treatment, the focus of the patrol was also on preventive healthcare and health education, with the aim of empowering the local population to adopt healthier practices in their daily lives. The Army doctors and medical staff organized interactive awareness sessions that explained the importance of early diagnosis and regular health check-ups to prevent serious illnesses. The sessions also covered a range of topics, including the prevention and management of communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria, the growing challenge of non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes, and the dangers of self-medication.
Special emphasis was placed on addressing the issue of drug abuse, which has been emerging as a concern in some rural pockets of Jammu and Kashmir. The medical team sensitized the villagers, particularly the youth, about the harmful physical, psychological, and social consequences of substance abuse, encouraging them to adopt positive lifestyles and seek timely help if needed. The open and interactive nature of these sessions created a welcoming environment where villagers felt comfortable asking questions and seeking advice from the medical professionals.
The initiative was met with heartfelt gratitude from the residents of Kothra. Community elders expressed their appreciation for the Army’s continued efforts to reach out to remote villages where government healthcare facilities are limited or located far away. Several villagers shared that such medical patrols are a lifeline, especially for the elderly and children who cannot easily travel to distant towns for treatment.
This outreach effort is part of the Indian Army’s broader mission to support and empower border communities, complementing its role as a defender of national security with meaningful contributions to social development. By providing healthcare access, creating awareness, and fostering trust, the Army continues to build stronger bonds with the people it serves. The medical patrol at Kothra is yet another example of how the Army’s commitment to nation-building extends well beyond the battlefield, bringing hope, care, and reassurance to those living on the margins of accessibility.
