Diplomat Correspondent
Kargil: DD, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, today inaugurated a free cancer screening and awareness camp organized by Al Reza Health Care and Research Foundation Kargil, the health wing of Jamiat-Ulma-Isna-Ashriya Kargil, in collaboration with Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Noida Extension.
Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, congratulated Al Reza Health Care for organizing the camp in collaboration with Yatharth Hospital, noting that such initiatives are highly beneficial for the economically weaker sections of society.
The CEC expressed gratitude to the Union Territory Administration of Ladakh, acknowledging the concerted efforts of the Chief Secretary and the initiatives of the former Lieutenant Governor, Brigadier (Dr.) B.D. Mishra (Retd.), which collectively paved the way for the release of funds for the purchase of the MRI machine at District Hospital Kargil.
He said this achievement marks a milestone in upgrading local healthcare, further strengthened by the establishment of a state-of-the-art hospital building and the deployment of dedicated doctors and paramedical staff.
Dr. Akhoon stressed the urgent need for specialist doctors, particularly cardiologists and neuro surgeon and urologist under the National Health Mission (NHM), given Kargil’s geographical distance from Srinagar and Leh.
He highlighted the progress made with the proposed Mini-AIMS (50 beds) and the Nursing College under NHM schemes, He also proposed the upgradation of the current District Hospital to a 200-bedded facility.
Acknowledging private and community contributions, the CEC appreciated the efforts of Yatharth Hospital, Al Reza Health Care, and Baqriya Health Services, whose dedicated work has brought direct benefits to patients.
He noted that healthy competition in healthcare drives quality improvement.
The CEC praised the ulemas (religious scholars) for their role in promoting moral health and social awareness through religious sermons. He further urged the UT Administration to extend scholarship incentives to local ulemas and molanas, recognizing their role in spreading moral values and fostering communal harmony.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament (MP) Ladakh emphasized that comprehensive cancer screening is one of the grave health needs of Ladakh and must be extended to all districts, including far-flung areas, for early detection and timely treatment.
He highlighted the pivotal role of Islamia School Kargil in creating awareness and promoting community welfare, and once again acknowledged the contributions of ulemas in health education, environmental conservation, and plantation drives.
The MP also appreciated the outreach of Al Reza Health Care in delivering healthcare to remote communities and urged the government to extend greater support to such initiatives to bridge infrastructure gaps.
He called upon NHM to prioritize the appointment of cardiologists and neurosurgeons in Kargil, while stressing the importance of professional training for doctors to ensure high-quality care for the people of Ladakh.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to improving accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare in Kargil, ensuring holistic community development for the region.DD
