A community needs assessment was conducted in Pipalkoti village, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. Pipalkoti is a hilly village situated at an elevation of approximately 1,259 meters above sea level. The Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Pipalkoti serves as the main healthcare facility for nine surrounding villages, many of which face significant geographic inaccessibility due to difficult terrain. Team FHTS visited with Dr. Joshi on January 10, 2026

These geographic challenges have a direct impact on the social, economic, and health needs of the local population, affecting access to healthcare services, livelihoods, education, and essential resources. The assessment aimed to understand community priorities, gaps in service delivery, and opportunities for sustainable interventions.

Based on these findings, SMAART Lab and FHTS plan to establish SMAART Hubs in Pipalkoti and neighboring villages. These hubs are envisioned as integrated community ecosystems that support healthcare access, digital connectivity, capacity building, and local development, tailored to the unique needs of remote hill communities.