 Early Times Report
CHANDIGARH, July 5: The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, conducted a community health camp for patients suffering from Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) at the New Shiv Mandir, Naya Gaon under the leadership of Prof. Babita Ghai, Consultant In-Charge, Pain Clinic, along with her multidisciplinary team, Dr Rajni Sharma (Psychologist), Ms Babina (physiotherapist), Dr Gauri Khurana, Ms Kirti Mahajan Research officer and Mr Rohit Kumar
This was the seventh health camp organized as part of an ongoing Department of Science and Technology (DST)-supported project aimed at improving access to chronic pain care in underserved rural and semi-urban communities. Similar camps have previously been conducted in Kansal, Kharar, Sector 25, Indira Colony, and Ratwara Sahib.
During the camp, patients undergo comprehensive evaluation for chronic low back pain and were provided with free medications, blood pressure and blood sugar screening, and bone mineral density assessment. A major focus of the initiative is to increase awareness regarding the important role of yoga in the management of chronic low back pain.
To ensure continuity of care beyond the camp, the project team organizes 15 days of free community-based yoga classes, thereby extending evidence-based non-pharmacological treatment to individuals who are often unable to visit tertiary care hospitals due to social, financial, or logistical constraints. The outreach team comprises project staff, psychologists, physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals who directly visit communities to deliver these services. The initiative reflects PGIMER's commitment to taking healthcare beyond hospital walls and making quality pain management services accessible to the masses.
Each camp typically caters to approximately 100-120 patients, highlighting the substantial community need for such outreach programs and the positive response received from local residents.
A dedicated NGO Sankalp and local Volunteers play a huge role for the success of the camp. |
