Healthcare services in the Ghagwal region of district Samba received a significant boost with the installation of a modern laparoscopic surgical unit at Government Hospital Ghagwal, made possible through a collaborative initiative between Sun Pharma and ELFA International. The initiative aims to enhance access to minimally invasive surgical procedures and strengthen healthcare delivery for patients across the district.
The event was attended by Ms. Ayushi Sudan (IAS) DC, Samba, Mr. Kawaljit Singh Bali (JKAS) SDM Ghagwal, Dr. Vidhi Bhatiyal, CMO Samba, Ms. Swati Salathia (JKAS), BDO, Ghagwal, Ms. Ekshu Sharma (JKAS) AD, Samba, Mr. Iftikhar Ahmad Mir, Sr. Vice President, ELFA International, Dr. Richa Arora, BMO Nud, Mr. Ajay Koul, Laison Manager Sun Pharma, Ms. Priyanka Talwar, CSR Executive, Sun Pharma, Mr. Varun Khajuria, Program Coordinator, ELFA International, Mr. Nawab Mehran Khan CEO, ELFA International and other dignitaries.
The handover ceremony was graced by Ms. Ayushi Sudan (IAS), Deputy Commissioner Samba, as Chief Guest. In her address, she appreciated the constructive partnership between industry, civil society, and government institutions in strengthening public healthcare infrastructure. She emphasised that such collaborative initiatives significantly improve healthcare accessibility and complement ongoing governmental efforts.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Nawab Mehran Khan, CEO ELFA International, reiterated the organisation’s sustained commitment to community welfare across multiple domains in Samba, including healthcare outreach, education, livelihood support, youth development, disability inclusion, and broader social welfare initiatives. He noted that collaborative partnerships between corporate institutions and voluntary organisations play a vital role in expanding equitable healthcare access.
Ms. Ajay Koul, Laison Manger Sun Pharma highlighted the importance of corporate social responsibility initiatives in strengthening healthcare infrastructure and expressed confidence that the laparoscopic facility would enable advanced procedures locally while significantly benefiting patients.
Speaking remotely on the occasion , Chandrashekhar Gowda, AVP – Head, Corporate Social Responsibility, remarked:
“Today’s contribution reflects Sun Pharma’s continued commitment to advancing community healthcare and strengthening medical infrastructure. The laparoscopic unit provided to Government Hospital Ghagwal is intended to enhance access to minimally invasive surgical care, improving patient comfort, reducing recovery time, and enabling quality treatment closer to home. We are proud to collaborate with ELFA International and the Jammu & Kashmir Government in initiatives that promote equitable and accessible healthcare. Sun Pharma remains committed to supporting solutions where innovation, compassion, and community welfare go hand in hand.”
Medical professionals present welcomed the installation of the laparoscopic unit, observing that minimally invasive surgical facilities improve patient comfort, reduce recovery time, and minimise the need for referrals to distant tertiary hospitals. The initiative is expected to substantially strengthen healthcare delivery in the district.
The programme concluded with appreciation for all stakeholders involved, with participants expressing optimism that continued collaboration between corporate institutions, voluntary organisations, and public health authorities will further enhance healthcare accessibility across the region.
