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 individuals identify medical issues before they escalate.

We held our first Aarogya Seva clinic at Lohajung on December 20, 2025.

Since inaugurating the Aarogya Seva initiative here in Lohajung, we have conducted five clinics across Himalayan villages, including Gaichawan Gaon, Karchi, and Sari.

Setting Up the First Aarogya Seva Clinic at Lohajung

For this first Aarogya Seva clinic at Lohajung, we were joined by Dr Venkat Kumar Raju, an MBBS, MD, and paediatrician

From his very first interaction at Lohajung, Dr Venkat expressed genuine excitement about being part of the initiative. He spoke about feeling privileged to be able to serve the local community and appreciated the thought and intent behind Aarogya Seva.

In the days leading up to the clinic, we reached out to villages around Lohajung — Mundoli, Wan, Kulling, Didhna, Harni, Lowani, and several smaller settlements nearby. 

We met with the Gram Panchayat Pradhan and worked closely with our local staff to spread the word and bring people together.

When we began planning, we expected about 15 to 20 children. Even preparing for 40 felt ambitious to us at the time. By the time the clinic opened, over 60 children had arrived.

What Happened at the Clinic at Lohajung

At 10:30 AM, the clinic was set up in our briefing hall at Lohajung. 

Outside the hall, a registration desk was arranged with tokens, height and weight measurements, and basic screening.

Inside, Dr Venkat was supported by our team members throughout the day. 

As consultations progressed, a clear medical pattern emerged. Most children were dealing with dental issues, common colds, flu, and viral-like symptoms — ailments that are easily treatable but often go unattended due to lack of regular medical access.

In a few cases, more serious concerns surfaced. Dr Venkat identified developmental delays and epilepsy in some children, conditions that require long-term monitoring and specialised care.

For us, these consultations underscored why early screening and consistent medical outreach matter so deeply in remote regions.

Learnings from our First Aarogya Seva Clinic at Lohajung

Dr Venkat shared that the unexpectedly high turnout itself reflected a larger systemic issue — the absence of accessible healthcare in tier 3 and tier 4 regions. He spoke about the need for stronger focus from governing bodies on early intervention, routine screening, and building healthcare infrastructure in rural areas.

The presence of a qualified paediatrician made a visible difference. Parents expressed confidence and relief knowing their children were being examined by a specialist. 

One of the most encouraging moments for us was watching the community take ownership of the clinic. Locals began calling neighbours and relatives, urging them to bring their children. Word spread organically, reflecting genuine appreciation and belief in the effort.

The local school at Lohajung officially excused students for the day and sent them in large numbers. It was a small administrative decision that carried immense significance — a recognition of how important this clinic was for the community.

From our team’s perspective, the day strengthened something deeper than logistics or execution. And for Dr Venkat, the experience was deeply fulfilling, both personally and professionally. He spoke about how meaningful it was to serve in a place where the need often goes unseen, and how thoughtfully the programme had been conceptualised and executed.

When we step back and reflect on the day, we see more than a successful clinic. We see bridges being built. 

Looking Ahead at the Future of Aarogya Seva 

The larger goal is straightforward: to make healthcare more regularly accessible in regions where it remains scarce. 

As a single organisation, our reach on its own is limited. But through the steady flow of nearly 35,000 trekkers who travel to the mountains with us each year, Aarogya Seva has the potential to create a wider, collective impact over time.

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.