Free medical camp for senior citizens held at landslide-hit Waltengo hills in Kulgam

Srinagar, Sep 16: Moul Mouj Foundation (MMF), in collaboration with GK Labs and Chinar International, organised a free medical camp for senior citizens in the remote Waltengo Hills of district Kulgam, an area hit by landslide last month claiming the lives of two members of the Bakarwal nomadic community and left two others injured.

The outreach initiative was part of MMF’s ongoing efforts to address the health needs of vulnerable seniors in disaster-affected and hard-to-reach regions. A total of 114 senior citizens were examined and provided with free medications, diagnostic investigations, counseling, and reassurance, said a press release.

Dr. Zubair Saleem, Senior Geriatric Consultant, expressed gratitude to Director Health Services Kashmir, Dr. Jehangir Bakshi, for extending support to the initiative, said, “I observed firsthand the deep anxiety among seniors in the aftermath of natural disasters. Many presented with uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure despite being on regular medicines. The main challenge was that most seniors had either misplaced or lost their prescriptions, medical history, and investigation reports during displacement. This made continuity of care difficult. Treatments were optimized, and awareness was imparted on how to manage such health challenges in times of crisis,” he noted.

Chairperson and Managing Director of GK Labs reaffirmed their commitment to supporting outreach initiatives that serve seniors in difficult and stressful times, “Our role is not just in diagnostics but in ensuring that healthcare reaches the most marginalized and vulnerable, especially during emergencies."

Speaking on the occasion, Umair Rashid of Chinar International highlighted that the camp site was chosen based on reports from their ground teams. “Our field workers found elderly people struggling with their health needs after the landslide and severe weather. Partnering with MMF and GK Labs allowed us to bring timely relief to these communities,” he said, thanking the organisers for the collaboration.

Four seniors were newly diagnosed with diabetes, with sugar levels as high as 400 mg/dl, while three were found with severe hypertension, recording blood pressures up to 210/124 mmHg. Additionally, three seniors were enrolled under MMF’s Lifetime Privilege Card, ensuring them lifelong access to free medications.

Seniors who attended the camp expressed relief and gratitude. Many said they realized the importance of keeping medical records and prescriptions handy in case of sudden evacuation. Caregivers present also acknowledged the need to be more attentive to the unique vulnerabilities of aging parents, who cannot act with the same urgency and resilience as younger family members during disasters.

The camp served not only as a platform for immediate medical aid but also as a vital awareness drive, equipping seniors and their families with the knowledge to better safeguard their health during emergencies.