Kashmir's Healthcare Crisis: Rising Costs and Impact on Families

Healthcare Challenges Devastate Kashmiri Families Amid Rising Costs In Srinagar, a carpenter and his wife stand in line outside SMHS Hospital, waiting for her prescriptions. Her monthly heart medication costs approximately ₹3,500—about half of his income—and they often have to skip meals or borrow money to cover expenses. Such stories are increasingly common in Kashmir, where the financial burden of healthcare is overwhelming many households. Limited public hospital capacity, expensive private clinics, and inadequate insurance coverage have made falling ill a significant economic hardship. Rural regions are especially affected, with many medical officer positions unfilled and shortages of specialists at community health centers, forcing residents to travel long distances or seek costly private care. Diagnostic tests and treatments such as MRIs and childbirth services can cost several times a family's monthly income, leading some to take loans, sell land, or forego necessary treatment altogether. The government introduced the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY SEHAT scheme in 2020, aiming to provide insurance coverage to over 90% of families. However, many beneficiaries face obstacles like hosp...