Gunners, under the aegis of Ace of Spades Division, organised a free medical camp at Govt Girl’s Middle School, Vill Mankote, Tehsil Mendhar in Poonch district for the residents of far flung areas near the LC. With an aim to provide much needed primary healthcare, especially to the elderly population and children in the disturbed area and keeping in view the current COVID-19 situation, free medicines, masks and sanitizers were distributed to the attendees.
Keeping in line with the ethoes of OP Namaste, local population was edu about the COVID-19 vaccination drive and myths associated with immunization were dispelled. All present were encouraged to register themselves on CoWin platform and to continue with mask usage, frequent hand washing and social distancing.
With the prevailing OP sit on LC and the resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the state, the locals have had to bear the dual brunt of cross border firing and restricted access to quality healthcare facilities. This initiative proved to be a boon for residents of remote villages in the area and was well attended and widely appreciated by the local civil adm. The footfall for said event was about 200 residents from Upper/ Lower Mankote and neighbouring villages.
Mendhar Gunners are committed to serve the local population and will continue to provide humanitarian aid to civilians through such health and safety campaigns.
Nazim Ali Manhas is a Poonch based photojournalist