Srinagar, March 20, 2025 – Under the leadership of Mission Director Dr Shubhra Sharma, the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission has initiated a series of free health check-up camps across the Union Territory, in collaboration with the J&K Health Department. This ambitious program targets the Self Help Groups associated with JKRLM, aiming to enhance the health and well-being of rural women who form the backbone of these community-driven initiatives.
The camps, rolled out as part of JKRLM’s broader mission to empower rural communities, provide essential medical screenings and consultations at no cost. Dr Shubhra Sharma, spearheading the effort, emphasised the importance of health as a foundation for economic and social empowerment. “Our Self Help Groups are vital to the rural economy, and ensuring their health is a priority. This collaboration with the Health Department reflects our commitment to holistic development,” she stated during the launch event.
Organised across various districts of J&K, the initiative brings together healthcare professionals and JKRLM staff to deliver services directly to SHG members. The camps focus on preventive care, including general health assessments, screenings for common ailments, and awareness sessions on nutrition and hygiene. The Health Department has deployed mobile medical units and personnel to ensure accessibility, particularly in remote areas.
Local SHG members have welcomed the move, with many expressing gratitude for the timely intervention. “This is a blessing for us. We often neglect our health due to work and family responsibilities,” said Razia Begum, a member of an SHG in Baramulla. The program also aligns with JKRLM’s goals of fostering resilience and self-reliance among rural women by addressing their healthcare needs.
Officials from the Health Department noted that the partnership with JKRLM exemplifies a successful model of inter-departmental cooperation. The camps are expected to continue in phases, covering all SHGs associated with the mission across the UT, with plans to integrate additional health services based on feedback and requirements.