The Indian Army’s Medic on Foot initiative reached Izmarg and Kanzalwan villages in Jammu and Kashmir’s Gurez Valley on April 15, 2025, delivering essential healthcare to remote communities. Medical teams trekked through the rugged, high-altitude terrain of Bandipora district, near the Line of Control, to conduct health checkups, including blood pressure and oxygen saturation monitoring. Free medicines were provided for common ailments like respiratory issues, offering relief to villagers, especially elders, in an area with scarce medical facilities.
Part of Operation Sadbhavana, the program brought care directly to residents of Gurez, a valley often isolated by snow and poor roads, 140 kilometers from Srinagar. The outreach not only addressed immediate health needs but also strengthened trust between the Army and locals. Gurez’s challenging geography, coupled with its strategic location, makes such efforts vital for communities reliant on limited infrastructure, despite recent additions like the Kanzalwan Bridge.
Villagers praised the personalised attention, though some expressed hope for long-term healthcare solutions. The Army’s patrols continue to serve as a lifeline, blending medical aid with goodwill in one of India’s most secluded regions.