Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 15: In view of great disparity in cardiac health and ailments in rural and urban areas, Head Department of cardiology GMCH Jammu Dr Sushil Sharma held a day long cardiac awareness-cum-health-check-up camp at Panchayat Ghar Budwal Block Khour Jammu. The Camp aimed to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases , provide essential screenings, and empower rural residents with knowledge and resources to manage their cardiovascular health.
While interacting with the people, Dr Sushil stated that across the world, rural communities continue to face profound health challenges that often remain hidden behind geographic isolation and limited infrastructure. “While cities benefit from advanced medical facilities, specialized healthcare professionals, and abundant resources, rural populations frequently struggle with restricted access to essential health services. These disparities contribute to preventable illnesses, delayed diagnoses, and poorer health outcomes. The issue of rural health inequity is not merely a medical concern but a complex social and economic challenge that demands coordinated and innovative solution,” Dr Sharma said.
He elaborated that rural populations often encounter significant barriers in accessing healthcare. “Long travel distances to hospitals and clinics create delays in receiving timely medical care. Many rural areas lack adequate numbers of healthcare professionals such as physicians, nurses, and specialists, leading to overburdened facilities and limited appointment availability. In addition, healthcare infrastructure including diagnostic services, emergency care, and mental health resources is frequently underdeveloped in rural regions. These limitations make it difficult for residents to receive preventive care, routine checkups, and early treatment for chronic diseases. Socioeconomic factors further intensify these disparities. Rural communities generally experience lower average incomes, higher unemployment rates, and reduced health insurance coverage. These financial constraints discourage individuals from seeking medical attention until conditions become severe. Furthermore, limited educational opportunities may affect health literacy, making it harder for people to understand disease prevention, treatment adherence, and lifestyle modifications necessary for long-term well being,” he added.
Others who were part of this camp include Dr Bhola Kumar and Dr Adarsh Sharma. Paramedics and volunteers include Rajkumar, Ranjeet Singh, Mohd Altaf, Gourav Sharma, Vikas Kumar, Rajinder Singh, Manoj Sharma, Anmol Singh, Dimple Bhagat, Khushbinder Sandhu ,Paramveer Singh, Gokul Sharma, Shubham Sharma, Rohit Nayar, Irfan Hassan and Nirvair Singh Bali.
