The medical infrastructure of Kashmir, a region known for its natural beauty and strategic geopolitical location, has long been a topic of both concern and progress. Jammu and Kashmir has faced unique challenges due to its mountainous terrain, socio-political structure and difficult weather conditions. Despite these hurdles, the medical infrastructure in Kashmir has evolved significantly in recent decades, thanks to government initiatives, private sector participation and international support. Kashmir’s healthcare system, like the rest of India, was initially built around primary health centres, community health centres and district hospitals designed to serve rural and semi-urban populations. However, multiple factors often left these facilities under-equipped and under-staffed. Despite these challenges, the resilience of healthcare workers and the dedication of the local population have helped keep the system functional.
Kashmir’s healthcare system operates at multiple levels, with primary and secondary healthcare services forming the foundation. Sub-Centres serve small rural populations but often lack skilled manpower and proper facilities. Primary Health Centres provide integrated curative and preventive healthcare, with many now operating 24/7. Community Health Centres function as referral centres for PHCs, offering specialist care, though many still face a shortage of full-time specialists. District hospitals, which provide secondary care, are better equipped and staffed, offering in-patient and out-patient services, minor surgeries and emergency care. For tertiary healthcare, major institutions include the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences in Srinagar, the region’s top deemed medical university, offering advanced care in cardiology, oncology, neurology and nephrology. Government Medical College Srinagar, along with SMHS Hospital, plays a vital role in emergency and specialist care. Additionally, newly established GMCs in Anantnag, Baramulla, Doda, Rajouri and Kathua aim to decentralize medical education and healthcare, with their attached hospitals being developed into major healthcare centres.
The private healthcare sector in Kashmir remains relatively underdeveloped compared to metropolitan areas in India, though institutions like Khyber Medical Institute, Noora Hospital and Ahmad Hospital in Srinagar provide quality healthcare with modern diagnostic facilities. Additionally, NGOs and charitable organizations such as Médecins Sans Frontiers and Help Poor Voluntary Trust play a crucial role in offering medical services, particularly in mental health, an often-overlooked area in the valley.Mental health is a critical issue in Kashmir. A study by Médecins Sans Frontiers in collaboration with the Department of Psychiatry at GMC Srinagar found that nearly 45% of the adult population in the Kashmir Valley exhibits symptoms of mental distress. However, mental health services remain severely inadequate, with only a few trained psychiatrists, most of whom are based in urban areas. Low awareness and the stigma surrounding psychological disorders often prevent people from seeking help. While institutions like the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences are making efforts to address these challenges, significant gaps still need to be filled.
In recent years, the Government of India and the Union Territory administration have implemented significant initiatives to enhance healthcare in Kashmir. The Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme provides free treatment of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year, with most hospitals, including private ones, empanelled under it. The establishment of five new medical colleges has increased the availability of doctors and improved access to advanced healthcare in remote areas. Telemedicine services, which expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to receive government investment to improve healthcare access in isolated regions. Additionally, the 108 Emergency Response Service has been extended to the valley, though challenges like difficult terrain and road conditions still affect response times in many areas.
Despite significant progress, several challenges continue to hinder Kashmir’s medical infrastructure. Geographical limitations make many villages inaccessible during winter due to heavy snowfall, restricting access to emergency medical care. A persistent shortage of specialist doctors and trained paramedical staff, particularly in rural areas, further strains the system. Political instability, including past shutdowns, curfews and internet blackouts, previously hampered critical services like emergency surgeries and real-time consultations, though the improved security situation has led to notable improvements. Additionally, many Primary Health Centres and Community Health Centres require modernization, better medical equipment and a reliable power supply to enhance healthcare delivery.
The future of Kashmir’s healthcare system depends on a multi-pronged approach that includes infrastructure investment, capacity building, mental health integration, technological advancements and public-private partnerships. Upgrading rural health centres with 24/7 services and modern diagnostic facilities will enhance accessibility, while recruiting and retaining skilled healthcare professionals through incentives and rural posting benefits will help address staff shortages. Mainstreaming mental health into primary healthcare and conducting awareness programs is crucial for tackling psychological issues. Leveraging AI, telemedicine and drone delivery systems can improve healthcare access in remote areas. Additionally, encouraging reputed healthcare chains to establish satellite centres in the valley with government support will further strengthen the region’s healthcare services. The medical infrastructure of Kashmir is a blend of resilience, hope and ongoing transformation. While the region faces daunting challenges significant strides have been made in recent years. With sustained investment, policy innovation and commitment to equitable healthcare, Kashmir can emerge as a model for delivering quality medical services in conflict-affected and remote regions. The health of a population is the foundation of its future. In Kashmir’s case, nurturing this foundation with care, compassion and strategy will pave the way for a healthier, stronger and more stable region.
