APRIL 25: In a commendable step towards inmate welfare, the Health Department of Doda, under the directions of Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh and guidance of Chief Medical Officer Dr. Om Kumar, distributed free eyeglasses to inmates at District Jail Bhaderwah.As part of an ongoing health outreach initiative, 36 eyeglasses were handed over to inmates who were diagnosed with visual impairments during a previously held screening. The distribution ceremony was conducted in the presence of Superintendent Jail Hamid Ullah Naik and Red Cross Nodal Officer Rishi Kumar Pandita.
This initiative follows a free eye screening camp conducted in February 2025, which was organized during the visit of Justice Atul Sreedharan of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. During that camp, 36 inmates were identified with eyesight issues. The current distribution marks the successful follow-up and implementation of recommendations made during that camp.Superintendent Jail, Hamid Ullah Naik, expressed his sincere appreciation to the district administration and the health authorities for their dedicated efforts. “This initiative showcases the administration’s commitment to inclusive healthcare, even for those within correctional institutions. Ensuring vision care for inmates is a meaningful step towards human dignity and rehabilitation,” he stated.
The distribution of spectacles not only addresses an important health concern but also contributes to the broader goal of humane treatment and rehabilitation of inmates. Proper vision is essential for reading, learning, and daily functioning—especially within the confines of correctional facilities where opportunities for self-improvement often depend on such basic needs.
Nodal Officer Rishi Kumar Pandita emphasized the importance of regular health screenings and timely follow-up, noting that the Red Cross remains committed to supporting such noble causes in collaboration with government departments.This compassionate move reflects the District Administration’s inclusive approach to public health, ensuring no segment of the population is left behind, including those in incarceration.The initiative also reinforces the belief that healthcare is a fundamental right, and such outreach programs play a pivotal role in upholding the values of equity and care in society.