Indian Oil launches first ‘Heart Clinic on Wheels’ in Kashmir

PULWAMA — In a vital step toward improving rural healthcare access, the first-ever “Heart Clinic on Wheels” under the “No Heart Attack Mission” was inaugurated in Pulwama district on Thursday, with two top political leaders, doctors and healthcare advocates in attendance.

The mobile clinic, a joint initiative by Indian Oil Corporation and the Gauri Kaul Foundation (GKF), aims to provide free cardiac screenings, diagnostics, and preventive care to remote areas of southern Kashmir, where medical facilities remain scarce.

The event saw the participation of Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson of the Jammu & Kashmir Waqf Board and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, alongside Mian Altaf Ahmed Larvi, National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament. Also present were eminent cardiologist and Founder Director of GKF, Professor Upendra Kaul; Arif Akhtar (GM-HR, CSR IOCL); M A Pathan (formerly CEO IOCL), Dr Zubair Saleem, Mushtaq Ahmed Chaya, CMD of Mushtaq Group of Hotels and senior Indian Oil officials and local dignitaries.

A lifeline for rural Kashmir

The “Heart Clinic on Wheels” is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools to screen for hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol imbalances, and early signs of cardiovascular disease. The initiative builds on the Gauri Healthy Heart Project, which, since 2021, has conducted medical camps across six J&K districts to combat preventable heart ailments.

“This is a revolutionary step for south Kashmir,” said Professor Upendra Kaul, emphasizing that early detection could drastically reduce heart attack fatalities. “Many villagers cannot afford or access hospitals. This mobile unit will bridge that gap.”

Meanwhile, local residents in Pulwama and Shopian welcomed the healthcare initiative, with many hoping for expanded services. Indian Oil representatives confirmed plans to extend the program to other underserved districts.

Political Undertones: Waqf Bill debate surfaces

While the event centered on healthcare, political buzz emerged as Dr Andrabi and Mian Altaf diverged on the recently passed Waqf Amendment Bill 2025—a contentious legislation that has drawn criticism from opposition parties and Muslim groups.

Dr. Andrabi, a Union Minister of State, defended the bill, stating, “The Waqf Bill ensures transparency and accountability—opposition fears are unfounded.” About the restoration of J&K’s statehood status, she added, “The Prime Minister and Home Minister have assured that statehood will be restored to J&K at the appropriate time. So, there should be no doubt about it.”

On the other hand, Mian Altaf, a vocal NC leader, accused the BJP of disregarding Muslim sentiments. He stated, “We opposed this bill in Parliament, but the BJP’s majority pushed it through. This affects Muslims across India, not just J&K. Those who wish to challenge it in the Supreme Court should unite and seek justice.”