Over 500 surgeries conducted in 4 days
Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Sept 8: Rotary International India chapter has embarked on a significant mission to provide medical assistance in South Kashmir by conducting nearly 1800 surgeries in partnership with the Government of J&K. The ambitious initiative is set to continue until September 13 and has already made a substantial impact.
Since the launch of the Mega Health Camp on September 4, a dedicated team of 30 doctors and 4 volunteers, brought to Kashmir under the auspices of Rotary Club, has performed a total of 546 surgeries.
This initiative, inspired by the insistence of Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, in 2020, initially focused on the healthcare needs of North Kashmir. This year, the spotlight has shifted to South Kashmir, where medical professionals are tirelessly working to address critical surgical requirements.
According to official details, the first day of the Mega Health Camp witnessed 119 surgeries across four healthcare facilities, including District Hospital Kulgam, District Hospital Shopian, Associated Hospital GMC Anantnag, and District Hospital Pulwama. Subsequently, the surgical team conducted 155 surgeries on day two, 141 on day three, and 131 on day four.
On the fourth day of the camp, District Hospital Kulgam witnessed 33 ophthalmic surgeries, while District Hospital Shopian conducted 7 general surgeries, 4 gynecological surgeries, and 20 ophthalmic surgeries. Meanwhile, Associated Hospital GMC Anantnag performed 6 general surgeries, 3 ENT surgeries, 22 ophthalmic surgeries, 3 orthopedic surgeries, and 3 gynecological surgeries. District Hospital Pulwama carried out 5 general surgeries, 2 gynecological surgeries, and 23 ophthalmic surgeries.
Dr. Rajiv Pradhan, Chief Advisor of Rotary Club, shared insights about the initiative, stating, “It is happening for the second time in Kashmir in collaboration with the Government of J&K. Last time, in 2020, north Kashmir districts such as Baramulla and Kupwara were covered; it was then when the LG asked us to hold such a camp in South Kashmir.”
It is to be noted here that in 2022, the Rotary Club of India organized a vital medical camp in north Kashmir, catering to the healthcare needs of over 5,000 residents in various districts in collaboration with the Health Department.
Preparations for this massive healthcare project in South Kashmir have been underway for the past four months, with collaboration from the Health Department. Recruiting the participating doctors, who are volunteering their expertise, posed a significant challenge due to their private practices in different states.
Dr. Pradhan acknowledged this hurdle, saying, “Securing a holiday to attend the camp gets a bit difficult for them as well, but they have managed to provide the necessary service to the people here.”
While the identification of patients in need of surgery was accomplished through a survey conducted by local authorities approximately three months ago, Dr. Pradhan praised the government’s support in ensuring that operating theaters were ready and that adequate personnel, including doctors and support staff, were available to assist in the surgeries.
When asked about the likelihood of completing all 1800 surgeries by September 13, Dr. Pradhan expressed uncertainty but suggested that the authorities might consider extending the camp for a few more days to fulfill the remaining list of surgeries by utilizing the services of the local doctors.
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