As part of the Rishi Kashyap Swasthya Seva Yatra, the National Medicos Organisation (NMO), in collaboration with Ladakh Phanday Tsogspa and with the support of Sewa Bharti Gujarat, has organised a series of free health check-up and medicine distribution camps across Ladakh.

The free medical camp was inaugurated by Chief Secretary, UT Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, at BVN School, Choglamsar, on August 22.

The programme was attended by doctors from different states, Ayurvedic practitioners, NMO professors, volunteers, and staff and students of BVN School.

Addressing the gathering, NMO representative Dr Ram Prasad said that helping others and providing medical assistance to those in needs is a social responsibility. He said the medical yatra is not only about healthcare but also about humanity, service and understanding communities living in remote and challenging areas.

Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra thanked the organisers for bringing medical teams to Ladakh and said that education and healthcare are key foundations for the growth of society. He appreciated the medical teams for travelling to remote areas and encouraged them to interact with local communities and understand their specific challenges.

Highlighting Ladakh’s rich cultural and geographical diversity, Kundra said the resilience and determination of its people are inspiring. He also spoke about the region’s distinctive culture, pastoral communities and historical heritage, particularly in areas such as Nubra and Kargil.

The Chief Secretary stressed the importance of preventive healthcare and said awareness about wellness and healthy living should reach every section of society. He appreciated the doctors, volunteers and local organisations for joining hands to improve healthcare access and promote the wellbeing of people in remote areas.

State President of the Phanday Tsogspa organising team, Padma Shri Dr Padma Gurmeet, said the Rishi Kashyap Swasthya Seva Yatra was launched in Kashmir in 2014 following the floods to provide medical assistance to affected people. The initiative was later expanded to Ladakh and has since been working to take healthcare services to remote areas.

He said that while Ladakh has adequate healthcare facilities in many areas, people living in far-flung and mountainous regions continue to face difficulties in accessing specialised medical care.

Around 20 members of the medical team have been divided into groups to visit different parts of Ladakh with the support of local volunteers. The teams will provide free health check-ups and medicines, along with awareness on preventive healthcare and healthy living.

Students of BVN School also presented a patriotic dance during the programme.

Organisation Secretary of Ladakh Phanday Tsogspa, Balvinder, thanked NMO and Sewa Bharti Gujarat for their support and outlined the deployment plan of the medical teams, including team leaders, group assignments, local coordination and areas to be covered.

The medical teams will proceed to different parts of Ladakh to provide free health check-ups, medicines and healthcare awareness to local communities.