Over the years of working across the Himalayas, we have repeatedly noticed how difficult it is for villages like Karchi to access basic healthcare. We see routine check-ups being delayed, specialised care remaining out of reach, and health concerns being managed with whatever limited support is available. 

It is something that continues to bother us, not because the solutions are complex, but because access is.

This is what led us to start Aarogya Seva. Through this initiative, medical professionals who trek with Indiahikes volunteer their time to conduct health clinics in villages near our community bases, enabling care to reach areas where it would otherwise be difficult to access. Our focus is simple and long-term: to make healthcare available, and help them identify medical issues before they get out of hand.

Since inaugurating the Aarogya Seva initiative on December 24, 2025, we have conducted five clinics across Himalayan villages, including Lohajung, Karchi, Gaichwan Gaon, and Sari.

As part of this ongoing effort, we conducted an Aarogya Seva clinic at Karchi village on 31st December 2025, bringing eye care services to residents from Karchi and neighbouring villages, and continuing our work towards improving healthcare access in the region.

What Happened at the Aarogya Seva Clinic at Karchi

For the clinic at Karchi, we saw around 44 people come in for a consultation Tugasi, Karchi, and Regdi villages. We notice this often: when access is created, it extends beyond village boundaries, reaching those who have been waiting for care.

This clinic focused on eye health, an area we know is frequently overlooked in remote regions due to the lack of specialist access. 

The clinic was conducted by Indiahikes trekker and ophthalmologist, Dr Neha Kalra. She spent almost the entire day conducting an eye check-up camp. 

Alongside consultations, we saw Dr Neha take time to speak about cataracts—what they are, why surgery becomes necessary, and how one can go about it. 

For those who required immediate relief, she prescribed basic eye drops, which we had made available at the clinic itself. 

For villagers who needed follow-up care, we ensured they were guided clearly: Dr Neha referred them to nearby doctors and hospitals, explaining the treatment required so they could take the next steps.

While the village Pradhan was away in Rishikesh at the time, we received strong local support through the presence of the Adhyaksh of the Mahila Mangal Dal, along with other members of the group. 

Their involvement helped bring people in, create trust, and ensure the clinic ran smoothly from start to finish. 

What Came After the Consultations Ended

At the close of the clinic, Shrimati Amita Devi ji felicitated Dr Neha and her companion as a gesture of appreciation. She then invited our team to her home for tea and snacks. 

Moments like these matter to us. They are not part of any plan or programme design, but they reflect the trust that initiatives like Aarogya Seva gradually build through presence and consistency.

Looking Ahead to the Future of Aarogya Seva

The Aarogya Seva clinic at Karchi concluded on a positive note, with villagers expressing appreciation for the care brought to their doorstep. 

For us, this reinforced the importance of sustained, collaborative engagement with mountain communities, especially in regions where healthcare access remains limited.

As Aarogya Seva continues to grow, we remain committed to expanding the reach of specialised care across more villages in the coming year.

Volunteer with Aarogya Seva

If you are a medical professional trekking with Indiahikes and can extend your stay by a day or two, we welcome your support in strengthening this initiative.

Aarogya Seva is a completely voluntary programme. There is no exchange of money involved. Villagers are not charged for consultations or medicines, but they deeply value the time, care, and attention offered.

Who can volunteer

• Doctors
• Nurses
• Paramedics
• Other certified healthcare practitioners

If you would like to volunteer, please fill out this form.

Our team will help plan and enable the medical camp alongside your trek.

Information Source: Pratik Jagtap (Assistant Slope Manager)