Editorial | Bring hospitals to villages

Kashmir is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It has mountains, rivers, and valleys covered with green grass. But what lies behind this beauty is that the people residing in the remote areas of Kashmir are suffering. They lack proper healthcare facilities. It is a serious issue that must be addressed soon.

The individuals residing in remote villages in Kashmir have hardly any access to doctors, hospitals, or even tiny clinics. When someone falls sick, they often have to travel many hours to reach the nearest hospital. Sometimes, there are no roads, and people have to walk or use horses. In winter, heavy snow makes it even harder. Roads are blocked, and no ambulance can come. This puts many lives at risk, especially those of children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

One of the major issues is the shortage of doctors. The majority of doctors do not want to work in rural areas like villages. They would rather work in metropolitan cities such as Srinagar. They do not wish to proceed to distant places where there are no decent houses, schools, and other amenities. Due to this, villagers have to depend on health workers who are not necessarily properly trained. This is risky. A minor sickness can turn into a major one if treated improperly and in time.

Poor infrastructure is also another problem. Most health centers in rural Kashmir are simply dilapidated structures with shattered windows and no heating. During winter, the temperature drops below zero, and the structures become freezing cold. How can patients heal there? Moreover, there is also a lack of medicines and medical equipment. Frequently, individuals are advised to purchase medicines from the city, which is distant and expensive.

Pregnant women have numerous issues. Villages do not have adequate delivery facilities. If complications occur during delivery, both the life of the woman and that of the baby are at stake. There are numerous instances when women died en route to the hospital because assistance failed to reach on time.

Children too are vulnerable. They require vaccinations and periodic health check-ups. These basic facilities are absent in far-flung areas. Due to this reason, illnesses such as measles and pneumonia are prevalent. Most of these illnesses can be avoided if proper healthcare existed.

The government asserts that it is trying to develop healthcare in rural communities. Some of the mobile health centers have been initiated, and a few new health centers have also been opened. But this is not sufficient. Much needs to be done. The government needs to post more doctors to villages. It needs to provide them with good homes, additional compensation, and improved working conditions so that they are ready to stay and work there.

Also, telemedicine can assist. This refers to specialists in cities who can communicate with villagers through video calls. Using the internet, even simple phones can be utilized to provide advice or file reports. It can save lives and decrease travel.

Non-government organizations (NGOs) are also capable of helping. They may organize health camps, invite doctors from elsewhere, and provide medicines at no cost. People from the area themselves should be trained as health workers so they can serve their own community.

After all, health is a fundamental human right. Simply because one resides in some inaccessible corner of Kashmir doesn’t mean they must receive shoddy medical treatment. They deserve good doctors, hygienic hospitals, and speedy ambulances, too. Each life is valuable, regardless of where an individual resides. We need to do something now and bring hope and health to such neglected regions. Kashmir’s villages don’t require roads and electricity alone—they require compassion, care, and quality healthcare facilities.