Launches Cancer screening camp with mission for early detection
Kargil, Sept 23: Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta kicked off a free cancer screening and awareness camp in Kargil, hosted by Al Reza Health Care and Research Foundation, the health arm of Jamiat-Ulma-Isna-Ashriya Kargil, in partnership with Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital, Noida Extension.
Addressing the event, Gupta emphasized cancer as a major global health challenge, underscoring the critical role of prevention, awareness, and early detection in saving lives.
LG Gupta reiterated that the UT Administration is committed to delivering quality healthcare to every resident of Ladakh, with special focus on strengthening district hospitals, expanding telemedicine services, and creating robust referral linkages with tertiary care centres to ensure equitable access to health services for people living in remote areas.
He praised Al Reza’s efforts since 2017 in serving underprivileged communities and highlighted the government’s ongoing mission to enhance Ladakh’s healthcare infrastructure, focusing on diagnostics, specialized treatments, and advanced facilities.
“Upgradation of healthcare facilities across Ladakh is being undertaken in a mission mode, with focused attention on diagnostics, specialised treatments, and health infrastructure,” the LG said.
He announced that the long-pending MRI machine at District Hospital Kargil will be installed soon and assured that the demand for a 200-bed hospital in Kargil will be actively explored.
The Lt Governor appreciated the efforts of Al Reza Health Care and Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital for establishing a satellite clinic and cancer screening facility, which will provide timely access to expert consultations for patients within Ladakh.
Adding a community perspective, President Jamiat Ul Alam Isna Asharia Kargil Sheikh Nazir-ul-Mehdi expressed gratitude to the LG for gracing the occasion and supporting initiatives aimed at improving public health in the region.
Later, Shri Kavinder Gupta visited former Minister of the erstwhile Jammu & Kashmir State Shri Qamar Ali Akhoon, enquired about his health condition, and wished him a speedy recovery.
The event was attended by senior officers including Deputy Commissioner Kargil Rakesh Kumar, SSP Kargil Shri Shree Ram R, ADC Kargil, doctors from Yatharth Hospital, volunteers of Al Reza Health Care, and members of civil society.
Meanwhile, 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.
