kaul.upendra@gmail.com

The healthcare landscape in Kashmir is currently undergoing a structural metamorphosis which has been a long-lasting need. Historically it had a “top-heavy” system where a few tertiary care centres in Srinagar bore the brunt of the entire valley’s medical needs which resulted in overcrowding in these few centres. The region is now pivoting toward a more decentralized, technologically integrated, and education-focused model.

The backbone of any healthcare system is its workforce. For decades, Kashmir relied almost exclusively on Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar and SKIMS (Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences). However, the last five years have seen an unprecedented expansion. The establishment of new GMCs in districts like Anantnag, Baramulla, Handwara, and Kupwara has more than doubled the annual intake of medical students. This decentralization ensures that “local doctors for local needs” becomes a reality. With this the necessity for good students having to seek admissions in the neighbouring countries is bound to go down. With the political conditions in Bangladesh, Iran and even in Ukraine becoming very unstable these once popular destinations are getting a hit.

To address the chronic shortage of specialists, the government has aggressively pushed for Diplomate of National Board (DNB) and specialized MD/MS seats in district hospitals. By converting district-level facilities into teaching hospitals, the system ensures a round the clock presence of resident doctors in rural areas, significantly improving patient outcomes. This is especially important for reducing the mortality and morbidity of acute illnesses like heart attacks and strokes.

Healthcare in the outreach areas is always a challenge especially in the geographies of the valley. For a resident of Gurez or Machil, a “minor” complication can become fatal during winter lockdowns.

The solution is emerging through a “Hub and........

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