Army’s ‘Medical on Foot’ brings relief to border village in Gurez

Gurez, Jan 8: Amid heavy snowfall and sub zero temperatures, the Indian Army under its Rana unit organized a humanitarian “Medical on Foot” program in Refujee village, located close to the Line of Control in the Gurez Valley of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
Braving harsh weather conditions and difficult terrain, Army doctors and medical staff trekked on foot to reach the remote border village, where access to healthcare facilities becomes extremely limited during the winter months due to heavy snowfall and road blockades.
As part of the initiative, Army medical teams carried out door to door visits, examining patients inside their homes and providing essential medicines on the spot. Special attention was given to elderly people, women, and children who face immense hardship in travelling long distances for treatment during peak winter.
Locals of Refujee village expressed deep gratitude to the Army for the timely outreach, describing the programme as a lifeline for border inhabitants. They said that during winters, when roads remain closed and transport services come to a halt, such medical assistance becomes crucial for survival.
A local resident, Shabir Ahmad, lauded the efforts of the Army and said the “Medical on Foot” program brought immense relief to the village. He said the Army not only guards the borders but also stands shoulder to shoulder with civilians in times of difficulty.
Shabir Ahmad said that many elderly patients and children received timely medical checkups and medicines, which helped prevent minor health issues from turning serious. He also appreciated the dedication of doctors and soldiers who walked through snow covered paths to reach every household.
The villagers expressed hope that such medical outreach programmes would continue regularly to support remote border communities facing extreme winter conditions. [KNT]