Ankita Sharma, Dir Health inaugurate Ayushman Bhav Health Mela in Pampore

Pampore: Joint Secretary Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, Ankita Sharma and Director Health Kashmir, Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather jointly inaugurated a mega health Ayushman Bhav Health Mela at Sub District Hospital Pampore area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Friday.
Chief Medical Officer Pulwama Dr Haseena Mir, Dy CMO Pulwama Dr Tahmeena, District Health Officer Pulwama, Spokesman Director Health Dr Mustaq Ahmad Mir, Dr Javaid Ahmad Butt, District Immunization Officer Pulwama Dr Masooda, BMO Pampore Dr Asima Nazir, BMO Tral Dr Zahoor Ahmad, BMO Rajpora Dr Jawhaira, Registered Medical Officer SDH Pampore Dr Bilal Ahmad, Senior Pharmacists Abdul Hameed Magray, Showkat Andrabi and health officials were present on the occasion, besides a number of Asha workers and other health workers also present during the Mela, Medical Officer SDH Pampore Dr Bilal Ahmad told Kashmir Reader.
The health mela under the Ayushman Bhav was organised by SDH Pampore in collaboration with GMC Srinagar.
During the daylong health camp, hundreds of patients availed consultancy and free medicine.
Earlier, Ankita Sharma and Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather inspected different stalls which were established to offer health services to local residents, including consultations, NCD screening, issuance of ABHA (Health IDs), Golden Cards, and general healthcare services.
Additionally, an awareness program was organized during the health fair for the general public.
During the inauguration ceremony, Ankita Sharma highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring quality healthcare for every citizen. The Ayushman Bhav Health Mela stands as a testament to this commitment, providing a platform for individuals to access necessary medical services without financial constraints.
Healthcare professionals and volunteers are actively engaged in this endeavour, working tirelessly to offer medical expertise and support to the attendees. The event’s success hinges on the dedication of these professionals and the enthusiastic participation of the community.
Speaking on the occasion, the Joint Secretary said, “I had heard of Pampore and its saffron, so I was familiar with this land; but today, being here among you all brings me immense joy. I work in the Ministry of Health, and what I witnessed at the Ayushman Bhav Mela today filled me with great happiness. It is heartening to see people here with such enthusiasm and participation in this event.
“There are counters set up and all those who have come here must have benefited from this Ayushman Bhav Mela,” she said, adding that the Ayushman Bhav Mela is focused on screening for non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes, which are often referred to as silent killers.
She said that PMJ card provides free medical treatment, and many people have benefited from it. “We want all of you to take full advantage of such initiatives by the government and appreciate the facilities provided,” she said.
Sharma said that apart from the medical aspects, the Ayushman Bhav Mela is also a platform for unity. “We are a community, a large family, and we should support each other. Blood donation is crucial, especially during certain seasons when there is a sudden demand for platelets. Blood donation is a cultural practice and whether we can give blood or not, our intent matters,” she said.
“I am leaving here today with wonderful memories and the knowledge that you all are doing such commendable work. Keep doing what you’re doing and make the most of the government’s initiatives, as they are all for your benefit. I carry these memories with me from Pampore,” she said.
Talking to Kashmir Reader, Director of Health Kashmir, Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Rather said that the Ayushman Bhav Campaign is running in every district and every block. “Today, the Secretary from the Government of India herself visited as she is the nodal officer for the entire Union Territory. She has personally witnessed the extensive efforts we are making, and she was very impressed with the efficient implementation of government schemes here,” he said, adding that the health fair, which they organized in collaboration with the Government Medical College, had every doctor available.
“Its purpose is to promote early diagnosis and early treatment for a better prognosis. We will screen for various conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, and a few types of cancers, be it breast, oral, or cervical cancer. The sooner we detect any illness in a person, the better the treatment outcomes,” he said, adding that they encourage everyone to get their Ayushman Bhav (Golden) card, which will maintain their health records for life. “Otherwise, what often happens is that you visit a doctor today, and tomorrow they may ask for your previous prescriptions and investigations, even your vital signs like blood pressure and heart rate.”
He said that all of this information will be stored on your card, making it easier for any doctor to provide appropriate treatment. “The golden card is an excellent and invaluable scheme, providing free medical coverage of up to 5 lakhs for inpatient care, which many people cannot afford. If you missed getting your golden card, make sure to get it now,” he said.
Dr Mushtaq urged participate in their blood donation camps because donating blood can save lives. “The other health schemes are available for people to benefit from as well. The Director Health praised doctors and other health workers, for doing good work during the COVID-19 and G20 summit. They have worked tirelessly. They have shown how dedicated they are to their society and people. When the G20 summit took place, you all did excellent work,” he said.

BILAL HABIB