Idara Falah-i-Aam Waqf brings hearing hope to underprivileged

Srinagar, May 10: In a significant community welfare initiative, the Idara Falah-i-Aam Waqf, based in Alamgari Bazar, Srinagar, in collaboration with the Voluntary Medicare Society (VMS), organised a one-day free medical ear check-up camp at Iqbal Khomeini Hall, Mohalla Syed Afzal Sheerbhat, Srinagar.

The event witnessed an overwhelming public response, especially from the underprivileged segments of society.

The camp commenced with an inaugural ceremony led by the Chairman of Idara Falah-i-Aam Waqf, Munshi Abrar Hussain. He was accompanied by the General Secretary, Imdad Saqi, along with several other dignitaries and senior members of the organisation. The initiative aimed at providing accessible and advanced auditory healthcare to the economically weaker sections of the Valley.

A dedicated team of medical professionals, headed by Dr Umeek Jeelani, volunteered their services for the noble cause. Throughout the day, approximately 135 patients from different parts of Kashmir availed the free consultation and diagnosis services. Following thorough examinations and audiometric evaluations, 82 patients were identified as requiring hearing assistance and were provided with advanced hearing aid devices on the spot—free of charge.

The camp concluded at 4:30 pm, having made a notable impact on the lives of dozens of individuals who would otherwise not have had access to such medical facilities.

The beneficiaries, many of whom hailed from far-off districts including Budgam and Kupwara, expressed immense gratitude to the organisers.

A visitor from Budgam, visibly moved, said, “This initiative by Idara Falah-i-Aam Waqf is a blessing for people like us. I appeal to the Chairman to organize similar medical camps in remote areas where access to specialist care is nearly impossible.”

Another attendee, Farooq Ahmad Dar, put forth a heartfelt request to the organisers, urging them to arrange eye check-up camps for artisans engaged in traditional Kashmiri handicrafts such as papier-mâché, carpet weaving, chain stitch embroidery, and wood carving – professions that demand acute visual precision.

Later in the day, the Director of the Voluntary Medicare Society, Dr Bashir Ahmad Lone, accompanied by Dr Farooq Ahmad Kaloo, visited the camp. They interacted with patients and expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made. Dr Lone assured that the society would continue to extend support to such humanitarian efforts.

A number of former patrons of Idara Falah-i-Aam Waqf, including Mirza Abdul Majeed, Syed Muzaffar Jalali, Khawaja Nisar Hussain, Khawaja Bashir Ahmad, Tafazul Hussain, and Prof Nazir Ahmad Mirza also visited the camp. They engaged with the patients and appreciated the medical team and volunteers for their selfless service.

Local residents of Mohalla Syed Afzal and adjoining areas lauded the Idara for organising the health camp and unanimously requested that such initiatives be made a monthly feature, with a special focus on eye care services which remain a pressing need for the local artisan community.

The camp was smoothly conducted under the supervision of a six-member team from Idara Falah-i-Aam Waqf. The team comprised Dr Kouncer Jabeen, Joint Secretary Syed Javed, Chief Organiser Showkat Ali Wani, Secretary Finance Muhammad Ali, Trustee Mohammad Maqbool Wani, and Abdul Rashid Magloo. Their coordinated efforts ensured efficient management and seamless service delivery throughout the day.

In a gesture of appreciation, Chairman Munshi Abrar Hussain presented a formal letter of thanks to Dr Bashir Ahmad Lone and acknowledged the valuable support of the entire VMS team.

He also extended heartfelt thanks to all volunteer doctors, paramedics, and especially the Associate Members of Idara Falah-i-Aam Waqf for their tireless contributions.

Concluding the event, the Chairman expressed deep gratitude to the managing body of Iqbal Khomeini Hall for graciously providing the venue, which proved crucial in facilitating the smooth conduct of the camp.

With this successful medical outreach, Idara Falah-i-Aam Waqf continues to set an inspiring example of community-centric service, reaffirming its commitment to the health and welfare of Kashmir's underserved populations.