J&K Bank Heart Clinic on Wheels launches first health camp at Palpora
Srinagar, Jan 6: The first health camp under the J&K Bank Heart Clinic on Wheels was successfully conducted at Palpora, Srinagar, marking the formal rollout of this pioneering initiative. This project is the first-of-its-kind CSR initiative of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, implemented by Ummeed Foundation in collaboration with Moul Mouj Foundation.
The mobile clinic is equipped with advanced AI-based diagnostic systems enabling rapid, point-of-care assessment, reducing the time from consultation to diagnosis and initiation of treatment to just 15–20 minutes. Comprehensive services were provided free of cost, including blood investigations, cardiac screening tests, pulmonary function testing, urine examination and on-the-spot medical evaluation. Free medicines were also distributed to beneficiaries. Besides, free ration kits, blankets and hot water bottles were distributed to selected marginalised and financially vulnerable families.
During the camp, 212 patients were examined. Uncontrolled hypertension emerged as the most common health concern, followed by uncontrolled diabetes leading to heart and kidney complications. Early-stage heart failure was diagnosed in seven patients, atrial fibrillation was identified in four individuals and two patients were newly detected with diabetes, conditions that often remain undiagnosed until complications arise. Focused awareness, counselling, and education on diet, lifestyle modification, and medication adherence were provided by interns from Bibi Halima Nursing College posted at MMF.
Senior Geriatric Consultant Dr Zubair Saleem thanked J&K Bank for the initiative and acknowledged the support of the Director Health Services, Kashmir, Dr Jahangir Bakshi and his team. He also appreciated the clinical guidance of eminent cardiologist and Project Advisor Dr Khurshid Aslam Khan, and the role of Chinar International and GK Labs in community mobilisation and on-ground support. Dr Saleem noted that the heart is commonly affected in chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, which worsen in winter, and said the Heart Clinic on Wheels enables timely diagnosis in underserved areas. He also shared a simple four-point health message: eat more fruits and vegetables, walk 10–20 minutes daily, drink adequate water and sleep 7–8 hours. Patient voices reflected the impact of the initiative: “I never knew my blood pressure was this high, today I got tested and treated at the same place.” “They detected my heart problem early; otherwise I would have ignored it.” “Free tests, medicines, and clear advice, this camp came to us when we needed it most.” The JK Bank Heart Clinic on Wheels will continue to reach vulnerable and underserved areas, strengthening early detection, prevention and timely management of heart-related conditions across the region.
