Danishwar Hameed
Qazigund, Sept 16: In a swift response to the prolonged road blockade on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the Health Department of Kulgam district set up an emergency medical camp to provide immediate relief to stranded truck drivers and passengers.
The blockade, caused by heavy rainfall and inclement weather, left hundreds of travelers stuck for several days near the Qazigund tunnel. Acting on the directions of Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Kulgam, Dr. Shaukat Hussain Parray, the department deployed a team of doctors and paramedics who worked late into the night to provide on-the-spot consultations, distribute medicines and attend to medical emergencies.
Truck drivers and passengers, many of whom had been stranded in freezing conditions, expressed their gratitude for the initiative. They said the camp brought much-needed relief at a time when they were struggling without access to basic facilities.
Officials noted that stranded individuals often face serious risks in such situations, including exposure to cold weather, worsening of chronic illnesses and the absence of emergency care. The medical camp, they said, was a vital humanitarian step to safeguard lives and prevent avoidable health crises.
The effort by the Health Department Kulgam has been widely appreciated, with many hailing CMO Dr. Shaukat Hussain Parray and his team for their timely intervention during the crisis.