Under the aegis of the JK Bank Heart Clinic on Wheels initiative, a free comprehensive health camp for senior citizens was organised in a far-flung area of Baramulla in collaboration with the Block Medical Office (BMO), Pattan. The camp was jointly organised by the Moul Mouj Foundation, Ummeed Foundation and GK Labs with the objective of bringing specialised healthcare services to elderly people living in remote areas.
A total of 152 senior citizens received free medical consultations, essential investigations and medicines during the camp. The outreach focused on early detection and management of chronic diseases commonly affecting older adults and optimising their medicines.
Doctors at the camp diagnosed two elderly patients with diabetes for the first time, enabling timely initiation of treatment. The most common health concern identified was uncontrolled hypertension, with many patients admitting that they had either reduced or discontinued their medications after “feeling better,” highlighting the need for better treatment adherence.
The medical team also diagnosed three elderly patients with mild to moderate heart failure. Necessary cardiac investigations were carried out on-site, and appropriate medical treatment was initiated along with detailed counselling regarding lifestyle modification and follow-up care.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Zubair Saleem, Senior Geriatric Consultant, urged older adults to take their prescribed medicines regularly and avoid stopping treatment without medical advice. He also advised senior citizens to maintain adequate hydration during the ongoing summer months by drinking plenty of water to prevent dehydration and related health complications.
Dr. Saleem expressed his gratitude to Dr Jehangir Bakshi, Director Health Services Kashmir, for his continued encouragement and support towards community-based healthcare initiatives. He also thanked Dr Rumina Majeed, Block Medical Officer, Pattan, for extending full cooperation and deputing a dedicated healthcare team for the camp, including Dr Mehraj Din, Medical Officer, Bisma Noor, Physiotherapist and Rukhsana Murtaza, Counsellor, who also coordinated the camp.
The multidisciplinary team provided comprehensive geriatric assessment, treatment, counselling sessions and demonstrated simple home-based physiotherapy exercises aimed at improving mobility, reducing falls and enhancing the quality of life of elderly patients.
Dr Saleem said that the clinical guidance and mentorship of Dr. Khurshid Aslam Khan, Senior Cardiologist and Advisor of the Seniors’ Heart Care Project, have been instrumental in strengthening the quality and impact of the JK Bank Heart Clinic on Wheels programme across Jammu and Kashmir. The beneficiaries expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the organisers and healthcare teams for bringing specialised medical services to their doorstep, stating that such initiatives are invaluable for elderly people residing in remote areas with limited access to healthcare.
