Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday emphasized that the Indian Army’s contributions during peacetime are as vital as its role in safeguarding national borders during conflicts. He highlighted the Army’s humanitarian initiatives, disaster relief operations, and healthcare outreach, particularly in remote and geographically challenging regions.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Jitendra Singh, made these remarks following the inauguration of a two-day medical camp organized by the Army under Operation Sadbhavana at its Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir.
The medical camp aims to provide comprehensive healthcare services to approximately 5,000 individuals. Services include access to specialist doctors, free diagnostic facilities, essential medicines, and assistive aids. The initiative also features Abha (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) registration, dedicated welfare stalls for war widows and ex-servicemen, youth guidance services, and awareness booths manned by banks and various government departments.
Singh commended the collaborative efforts of the Army, specialist doctors, civilian medical practitioners, chief medical officers, and the local administration in organizing the camp. He underscored the significance of such events in rural and remote areas where access to specialized healthcare is often limited.
The minister noted that many treatable or preventable diseases go undiagnosed in far-flung villages due to a lack of awareness among residents about their medical conditions. He pointed out that the camp offers several medical specialities that are not readily available locally. He specifically mentioned that a significant number of patients presented with cataracts, many of whom were unaware of their condition, highlighting eye care as a critical area for intervention.
Singh stated that cataracts are a preventable cause of blindness, and in the current era, no one should lose their sight due to this condition, as it reflects poorly on the healthcare system. He added that these medical camps serve a dual purpose: offering immediate medical assistance and collecting valuable data on disease prevalence and specific healthcare needs within different regions.
The initiative, launched earlier this year, focuses on rural and geographically challenging areas lacking comprehensive medical specialities and healthcare facilities. Singh explained that reports generated from these camps are shared with civilian authorities and chief medical officers to inform them about prevalent diseases and the required specialized medical infrastructure.
The Union minister reiterated the Indian Army’s indispensable role beyond its conventional security duties, especially in areas facing difficult terrains and security challenges. He acknowledged that while wartime activities garner significant media attention, the Army’s peacetime contributions, particularly in regions like Jammu and Kashmir, are equally invaluable.
Singh highlighted the Army’s consistent support during natural disasters like floods, disease outbreaks, and medical camps. He stated that in mountainous and remote areas, which have also experienced militancy, the Army not only provides security but also offers crucial assistance to the local population. The Udhampur MP expressed confidence that the two-day camp would successfully benefit over 5,000 people.
According to an Army spokesman, the two-day medical camp under Operation Sadbhavana exemplifies the Army’s ongoing commitment to supplementing civilian healthcare services and extending specialized medical care to residents in geographically challenging parts of Jammu and Kashmir. The camp’s integrated approach, featuring specialist consultations, diagnostic facilities, free medicines, dental procedures, and welfare initiatives, aims to enhance healthcare accessibility and foster stronger coordination between the Army, civil administration, and the health department.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
