Camps

NOKHA CAMP 2026

Over the decades, I have witnessed numerous professionals serve society, but very few embody the rare blend of compassion, clinical brilliance, administrative vision, and humanitarian depth that Dr. Bhandari consistently demonstrates. His career reflects not merely service, but a lifelong commitment to uplifting those who seldom have a voice of their own . 1. A Lifelong for Children with Special Needs Dr. Bhandari’s work with physically and mentally challenged children stands among the most sensitive and impactful facets of his contribution. For nearly three decades, he has been associated with the Disha Institute of Special Children, Jaipur, serving as Medical Consultant and Trustee, shaping a system that addresses the individualized needs of children with conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, hypoxic encephalopathy, muscle diseases, genetic disorders, and other congenital neurological issues . His approach has always focused on restoring dignity, improving function, and building opportunity, ensuring that every child— regardless of background—receives care tailored precisely to their abilities. His parallel efforts with children living with hemophilia for over 25 years demonstrate his unwavering resolve to extend medical care, counseling, and social rehabilitation to some of the most vulnerable families in society. Equally commendable is his mission to restore hearing to disadvantaged children with auditory impairments, ensuring that poverty never becomes a barrier to accessing the “gift of sound” . 2. Public Health Leadership Rooted in Preventive Care Long before public health became a national priority, Dr. Bhandari had already spent 25 years promoting healthy living through yoga, community education, and lifestyle interventions. His rural charitable medical camps, conducted consistently over the last three decades, have brought medical attention to more than two lakh underserved patients, reflecting a commitment that extends far beyond institutional boundaries . 3. Rajasthan’s COVID-19 Response Dr. Bhandari’s role during the COVID-19 pandemic is undoubtedly one of the defining chapters of his career. As the leader of the state’s COVID management strategy, he shaped treatment protocols, built critical-care infrastructure, and ensured rapid, coordinated communication with medical teams through hundreds of virtual meetings across Rajasthan. His contributions were instrumental in bringing down morbidity and mortality, earning admiration across national and international platforms . He was among the earliest clinicians to recognize the potential of Hydroxychloroquine (HCQS) and antiviral therapies at the onset of the pandemic—an approach that later received acknowledgment from global organizations including the United Nations. His pioneering adoption of Remdesivir and Tocilizumab, even at a time when global agencies such as WHO expressed reservations, was subsequently supported by USFDA observations and contributed significantly to improved patient outcomes statewide . 4. Visionary Policy Contributions Dr. Bhandari’s recommendations to the Government of Rajasthan led to reforms that deeply transformed the state’s pandemic response:  Free COVID testing and treatment for all citizens—a policy he conceptualized and championed.  Expansion of the state’s RT-PCR testing capacity to 1.7 lakh tests per day.  Oversight that ensured 95% coverage of both vaccine doses, one of the strongest vaccination performances in the country.  Strategic planning that laid the foundation for the acclaimed Bhilwara Model, recognized widely as an exemplary containment strategy . 5. A Humanitarian in the Truest Sense Beyond medical expertise, Dr. Bhandari stands out for the human warmth and sincerity with which he has served communities for decades. His unwavering dedication to “those who need us the most” and his efforts to transform lives—especially those of differently abled children—represent the very spirit of humanitarian service. It is no surprise that he is respectfully regarded as a COVID Hero, but his impact extends far beyond the pandemic into the everyday lives of thousands who have benefitted from his compassion and leadership .