KARGIL: Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, on Sunday inaugurated a three-day Total Knee Replacement Camp at Qamar Ali Akhone Memorial (QAAM) Hospital, describing it as an important initiative to expand access to specialised orthopaedic care while strengthening local medical capabilities through knowledge transfer and surgical training.
The camp has been organised by Al Reza Health Care and Research Foundation, the healthcare wing of Jamiat Ul Ulama Isna Ashriya Kargil (JUIAK), in collaboration with the Health Department Kargil and Let’s Walk Again Organization. It is expected to benefit a large number of patients suffering from severe knee ailments and contribute to the long-term development of advanced orthopaedic services in the district.
Addressing the inaugural function, the Deputy Commissioner said the healthcare sector in Kargil has witnessed substantial growth over the past twelve years, with improvements in infrastructure, medical facilities and manpower enhancing the overall delivery of healthcare services. He observed that the creation of the Union Territory of Ladakh had further accelerated healthcare development, leading to the establishment of modern medical infrastructure, including the Qamar Ali Akhone Memorial Hospital.
Kumar appreciated the role of Al Reza Health Care and Research Foundation and other social organisations in facilitating specialised healthcare interventions in the district. He noted that such initiatives help bridge gaps in super-speciality treatment and make advanced healthcare services more accessible to residents.
The camp is being conducted by internationally acclaimed orthopaedic and joint replacement surgeon Dr. Azam Badar Khan, widely known as “Dr. Knee”. Based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Dr. Khan brings more than 25 years of experience in orthopaedics and joint replacement surgery, with expertise in robotic knee replacement procedures, customised implants and regenerative therapies for osteoarthritis.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Khan said the initiative extends beyond performing Total Knee Replacement surgeries and seeks to build sustainable local capacity in advanced orthopaedic care. He said local doctors would receive practical training and mentorship during the camp, enabling them to acquire the expertise required to independently undertake similar procedures in the future.
He expressed gratitude to the District Administration and Al Reza Health Care and Research Foundation for facilitating the programme and providing an opportunity to serve patients in Kargil. Dr. Khan added that strengthening the skills of local medical professionals would help the hospital move towards self-reliance in delivering specialised orthopaedic services.
Highlighting the importance of preventive healthcare, Dr. Khan also stressed the need for greater awareness regarding knee health and informed the gathering that he is pursuing Knee Health Awareness Programmes in coordination with the World Health Organization. He welcomed the participation of a WHO representative in the camp.
Among those present were Chief Medical Officer Kargil Dr. Mohammad Abbas, representatives and executive members of Al Reza Health Care and Research Foundation, office-bearers of Jamiat Ul Ulama Isna Ashriya Kargil, WHO representative Moses Chowdhary, Dr. Sobohi Khan, Jaza Khan, Fazil Mohammad, healthcare professionals, volunteers and members of the medical fraternity.
