Joint initiative with Seva Bharti and HMRU brings healthcare to Baadi Gumaanu doorstep
Munish Sood
MANDI: Setting a new precedent, the Mandi Press Club, in collaboration with Seva Bharti and the Himachal Medical Representative Union (HMRU), organised its first-ever free multi-specialty health camp at the Seva Bharti Hostel in Baadi Gumaanu near Mandi on Sunday.
The camp marked a major milestone for the press club as over 200 villagers received free medical consultation, diagnostics and medicines.
The camp, which was held from 10 am to 2 pm, was staffed by a team of expert doctors from Shri Harihar Hospital Gutkar and Himachal Dental College, Sundernagar, representing fields such as cardiology, neurology, urology, orthopedics, pediatrics, ENT, mental health, surgery and dental care.
We’re more than just messengers, says press club president
Speaking at the event, Subhash Thakur, president of the Mandi Press Club, emphasised the importance of media institutions stepping beyond reporting and contributing directly to social development.
“Today, the Mandi Press Club has written a new chapter in its journey. This is not just a health camp but a statement that the media is not only a watchdog but also a helping hand. This is our first step in this direction — and it won’t be our last,” said Thakur.
Grassroots effort with long-term vision
Club vice-president Monika Thakur echoed his sentiments, stressing the need for sustained grassroots health initiatives.
“When we saw villagers walking miles just to consult a doctor today, we knew this effort mattered. The smiles, the relief, the gratitude — it has strengthened our resolve to make such camps a regular feature, especially in under-served rural belts,” said Monika Thakur.
Health, humanity go hand in hand, says secretary Hans Raj Saini
Hans Raj Saini, club secretary and one of the key organisers of the event, called the camp a beginning of a larger movement.
“This was our first medical camp, but certainly not the last. Going forward, we aim to take this model into schools and remote villages. If we can prevent even one disease or detect one health issue early, the effort is worth it,” said Saini.
The initiative also drew praise from the district administration. Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Rohit Rathore visited the camp, got a health checkup himself and interacted with the children at the hostel.
“This is a commendable joint effort. Bringing specialists directly to rural communities eliminates a major barrier to healthcare access. The collaboration between the media, NGOs and medical representatives is an inspiring model,” said ADC Rathore.
Impressive lineup of doctors
Specialist doctors who offered their services at the camp included:
• Dr. Kamal K. Singh (Urologist)
• Dr. P.C. Rana (Cardiologist)
• Dr. Naveen Kumar (Gastroenterologist)
• Dr. Harish H.B. (Neurologist)
• Dr. Umesh Chandel (Internal Medicine)
• Dr. Pankaj Mangotra (Orthopedics)
• Dr. Avinash Kumar (Surgeon)
• Dr. Vikas (Pediatrician)
• Dr. Anand Rajan (Physiotherapist)
• Dr. Vineet Sharma (Psychiatrist)
• Dr. Vikrant Kumar (ENT)
• Dental specialists from Himachal Dental College, Sundernagar
Villagers applaud the initiative
Villagers who attended the camp expressed heartfelt appreciation. Locals like Suresh Gupta and Pratibha Thakur shared how rare it is to receive specialised treatment without having to travel long distances or spend money.
“This is the first time such high-level care reached our doorstep. We hope this is not a one-time thing,” said Gupta.
The success of the camp was made possible by the joint coordination of senior journalists and community members, including Birbal Sharma, D.P. Gupta, Murari Sharma, Aman Agnihotri, Purushottam Sharma, Deependra Manta, Virendra Bhardwaj, Rakesh Rana, Anil Sharma, Dharmveer, Subhash Thakur, Monika Thakur, Bhagat Singh Guleria, Khem Chand Shastri and others.
