Healthy villages,stronger nation: advancing rural Healthcare through prevention and compassion: Dr.Sushil Kumar
Healthy Villages, Stronger Nation: Advancing Rural Healthcare Through Prevention and Compassion – Dr. Sushil
Poonch, June 28: Reinforcing the importance of preventive healthcare and equitable access to quality medical services in rural areas, Head Department of Cardiology, GMCH Jammu, Dr. Sushil Sharma conducted a day-long Cardiac Awareness-cum-Health Check-up Camp in collaboration with the Management Committee of Gurudwara Sant Bhai Bahadur Singh Ji at Dharamsal Khari, Poonch. The camp was inaugurated by Shri Ashok Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, Poonch along with Dr. Sushil Sharma in the presence of Dr. Parvez Ahmed Khan (CMO Poonch), Dr. Ruby Niaz Bhatti (Deputy CMO), Dr. Shafiq Chauhan (Medical Superintendent, DH Poonch), Chairman of the Gurudwara Committee S. Harcharan Singh, S. Hardev Singh, Sunil Sharma (President, Bar Association Poonch), Naresh Chander Raj (Ex-Councillor, MCP), Mohinder Singh (Ex-Councillor, MCP), and several eminent citizens.
The initiative aimed to strengthen the fight against cardiovascular diseases by bringing specialist healthcare directly to rural communities through free medical consultations, ECG, blood pressure and blood sugar screening, distribution of essential medicines, and expert counselling. The overwhelming participation of local residents reflected growing awareness about heart health and the importance of regular medical check-ups.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sushil Sharma said that the true strength of a nation lies in the health of its villages, as rural communities form the backbone of India’s social and economic development. He observed that while infectious diseases persist, non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease, and stroke are increasing rapidly even in remote areas due to sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, tobacco use, stress, and lack of awareness. He emphasized that these illnesses often remain silent for years before presenting as heart attacks, heart failure, or stroke, making early screening and timely intervention essential.
Dr. Sushil stressed that preventive healthcare is far more effective and economical than treating advanced disease. He urged people to undergo regular health examinations, monitor blood pressure and blood sugar, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, avoid tobacco, consume a balanced diet, and seek timely medical advice. He further emphasized that improving rural healthcare requires continuous health education, community participation, stronger primary healthcare infrastructure, and the use of telemedicine and digital consultations to bridge the gap between specialists and patients living in remote areas. He added that schools, Panchayats, religious institutions, and social organizations can become powerful partners in promoting healthy lifestyles and creating health-aware communities.
Worthy DC Poonch Shri Ashok Sharma while addressing media told that Department of cardiology under the able guidance of Dr Sushil Sharma has been pivotal in providing accessible and equitable cardiovascular healthcare particulary in far flung border areas of Poonch .
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman of the Gurudwara Committee S. Harcharan Singh Khalsa highlighted that physical health and mental well-being are inseparable. He underlined the importance of spirituality, meditation, prayer, and positive thinking in reducing stress and improving cardiovascular health. Other members of the Gurudwara Committee, including S. Hardev Singh, Santokh Singh, Harvinder Singh, Hazara Singh, Mohan Singh, Harbans Singh, Rajinder Singh, Ranjeet Singh, Manmeet Singh, and Inderjeet Singh, appreciated the dedicated efforts of Dr. Sushil Sharma and his medical team for bringing specialized cardiac services to underserved rural communities and promoting preventive healthcare.
Concluding the programme, Dr. Sushil Sharma reiterated that quality healthcare should never remain confined within hospital walls but must reach every village, every family, and every individual irrespective of geographical barriers. Calling upon healthcare professionals, policymakers, voluntary organizations, religious institutions, and local communities to work together, he said, “Healthy villages create healthy families, healthy communities, and ultimately a stronger nation. By empowering people with knowledge and ensuring that quality healthcare reaches the last mile, we can build a future where every heartbeat reflects hope, resilience, and the promise of a healthier tomorrow.”
Others who were part of this humanitarian initiative included Dr. Anil Mahajan, Dr. D. P. Gupta, Dr. Shahbaz Khan Dr. Rupambir Singh, Dr. Anitipal Singh, Dr. Jaspreet Singh, Capt. Dr. Sourav Verma, Capt. Dr. Arivanandhapandian, Dr. Kohsheen Kour, and Dr. Sumit. The paramedical staff and volunteers included Rajinder Singh, Nirjyote Singh, Shubham Sharma, Paramveer Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Jagmeet Singh, Randhir Singh, Mohd. Farooq, Harsh Bali, Nirvair Singh Bali, Dilbhag Singh and personnel of the Indian Army.
