Kargil, Apr 10 : Concerns over access to healthcare for elderly residents, particularly those above seventy years of age, dominated a public outreach programme held at Panchayat Ghar Thangdumbur in Sankoo on Wednesday, with villagers urging the administration to restore doorstep medical check-up services.
The outreach, organised under the Khidmat-e-Awaam initiative as part of the Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore campaign, saw active participation from residents who highlighted difficulties faced by senior citizens in reaching healthcare facilities. Responding to these concerns, officials from the Health Department stated that a nearby Medical Sub-Centre is equipped to provide necessary services, while Accredited Social Health Activists continue to assist patients at the grassroots level.
The programme was attended by Sub-Divisional Magistrate Sankoo, Waseem Ramzan Dar, along with officers from multiple departments, who engaged directly with the public to address grievances and disseminate information on welfare schemes.
Health officials briefed participants on various initiatives, including Ayushman Bharat coverage, availability of free medicines, and vaccination programmes. They emphasised that existing healthcare infrastructure, supported by field-level workers, remains accessible to residents, including the elderly.
Agriculture-related concerns also came to the fore during the interaction. Farmers raised objections to the use of PROM organic manure supplied through the Cooperative Department, citing lower crop yields, growth of thorny weeds, and incomplete decomposition in fields.
Officials from the Agriculture and Cooperative Departments responded by explaining that the administration is gradually transitioning towards organic farming practices across the Union Territory. They noted that while initial results may appear less favourable compared to chemical fertilisers, sustained use of organic inputs is expected to enhance soil fertility and ensure long-term agricultural productivity.
Earlier, officers from various departments outlined schemes such as PM-KISAN, the Ladakh Greenhouse Initiative, and support for vermicompost units, encouraging farmers to avail themselves of these benefits.
The outreach concluded with the administration reiterating its commitment to strengthening last-mile service delivery and ensuring timely redressal of public grievances through continued engagement with rural communities.
