M S Nazki
In a shining example of service beyond duty, the Indian Army’s Romeo Force organized a comprehensive medical camp for specially-abled and economically underprivileged individuals from Mendhar, Surankote, and Poonch regions. Held at the Jaran Wali Gali (JWG), Mendhar on 8 July 2025, the camp brought critical healthcare services to more than 300 beneficiaries from remote and underprivileged areas of Pir Panjal region.
The camp was conducted in collaboration with Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), Jaipur, an NGO that works to serve differently-abled people. Through this partnership, the camp successfully provided wheelchairs, hearing aids, walking aids and support devices thus restoring mobility and dignity to numerous individuals.
In addition to Army medical teams, the event featured dedicated support from Ayush medical teams from Rajouri and Poonch Government Hospitals, who provided free health check-ups, herbal medicines and traditional treatment for locals. To ensure inclusive care, lady doctors from both the Indian Army and Government Hospitals were present to attend to women’s health needs, including maternal care, gynaecological consultations and nutrition counselling, a move widely appreciated by the female population.
In the words of community heads of Poonch and Mendhar, “This initiative reflects the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to serve the people of Jammu & Kashmir with compassion and dignity. With the support of BMVSS and civil health authorities, Indian Army has addressed not only human healthcare but also community livelihood. This is more than a medical camp, it is a mission of hope and service. In the words of Shaista Bano, Surankote, “Army ki lady doctor se baat karke sukoon mila aur maine apna check-up thik se karaya”. Ghulam Din, 78 of Mendhar, while expressing his gratitude said “Main laathi ke sahare aaya tha, ab naya sahara mil gaya. Army ka yeh ehsaan mujhe zindagi bhar yaad rahega.”
This event served as a powerful example of coordinated service delivery, bringing together the Indian Army, NGOs and civil medical teams as a synergised team. The camp was a lifeline, offering dignity, access and relief to families in one of the most challenging areas of Pir Panjal region.
The event was conducted under the Indian Army’s flagship outreach programme, Operation Sadbhavana, aimed at enhancing civil-military cooperation and extending the reach of welfare initiatives to the last mile on the edifice of the thoughts, “Jawan and Awam – Ek Saath”.
