Health Year Ender: Amid reforms, successes in 2023, J&K health sector faces challenges ahead

Srinagar, Dec 29 (KNO): Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a major overhaul and new developments in the health sector this year with uptick in works of twin AIIMS coming up in both regions.

The AIIMS Jammu is nearing completion while AIIMS coming up at Kashmir’s Awantipora is expected to be completed next year.

In the Parliament, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Bharati Pravin Pawar confirmed that 92 percent of the construction work for AIIMS Jammu has been completed.

Though the situation is less promising for AIIMS Awantipora, with 56 percent of the work still pending as per the latest estimates, but the health facility which can result in access to quality healthcare is set to be complete by 2024.

Amid this, the government has increased 2000 medical seats in Jammu and Kashmir to address the shortage of doctors and has upgraded health facilities. Primary health centres were upgraded to the level of Sub-District Hospitals (SDHs) to meet Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) norms.

According to a health department’s Vision Document 2047, available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the objective is to ensure the availability of quality and affordable healthcare services at the doorstep by rationalizing existing facilities and establishing new ones.

It plans to upgrade non-Traditional Public Health Centers (NTPHCs) to PHCs and establishment of new Sub Centers in remote and underserved areas. The upgradation will occur depending on population growth.

Besides, 250 Diplomate of National Board (DNB) seats have been approved in SKIMS Soura/Government Medical Colleges/District Hospitals/Sub-District Hospitals along with 590 B.Sc paramedical seats in seven Medical Colleges and 440 B.Sc. Nursing seats.

Moreover, 60 seats for Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS) have been introduced in Government Unani Medical College, Kashmir and 63 seats for Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) have been added in Ayurvedic Medical College, Akhnoor, Jammu.

An additional 200 MBBS seats have also been introduced, raising the total intake capacity to 1300 seats. This has been achieved by operationalizing Government Medical Colleges in Udhampur and Handwara in 2023-24.

With focus on infrastructure, the population of Jammu and Kashmir is facing multiple health issues with new communicable diseases as well as the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases, according to officials. To top it all, the rise in drug abuse among the young population is putting a burden on the health sector.

The communicable diseases include such as EBOLA, Bird flu, Swine Flu, Zika and Coronavirus besides the increased prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as anaemia, hypertension, diabetes and cancer. Cancer, heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, diabetes, obesity, hypertension are on rise in J&K.

Doctors attribute the surge in such cases to lifestyle changes and adoption of a Western and urban lifestyle.

They stress on the need for individual changes such as adopting a healthy lifestyle, maintaining good food habits, physical exercise and quitting smoking. At a collective level, measures include preventing environmental pollution and ensuring access to clean water.

Additionally, anaemia remains a major health problem in the region, especially among women and children. Doctors attribute this to nutritional deficiencies and a lack of awareness about menstrual health.

There are 8.7 percent of women and 8 percent of men aged above 15 whose blood sugar level is above 140 mg/dl.

Drug abuse is on the rise in J&K especially intravenous injection while doctors also said that persons who inject drugs (PWIDs) are at risk of having unwanted health problems that affect their body as well as their overall health, however, addiction treatment facilities are emerging as a boon for drug addicts who have made their mind of getting rid of this menace.

Around 13.5 lakh people in Jammu and Kashmir consume drugs, with over 5 lakh addicts using opioids, a parliament panel report has revealed.

Besides drug abuse, mental health issues are on the rise J&K as over 29,000 calls were received on tele manhas in the last one year while over 200 youngsters were counselled through chatbot so far.

Virtual autism is emerging as a new challenge among children in J&K as most of the children in J&K spend most of their time on mobile phones and other screens.

Meanwhile, scan and share along digital payment facilities have been started in hospitals in J&K this year and so far around 26 lakhs tokens have been generated through scan and share facilities while the government is working to ensure paperless hospital registrations.

A hundred percent saturation under the AB PM-JAY SEHAT scheme was achieved this year and hundreds of critical procedures were conducted free of cost through Ayushmaan Bharat Scheme.

The much awaited Cancer institute at Jammu was made functional this year and some procedures were carried out for the first time in J&K hospitals this year.

The 300-bedded high-tech Bone and Joint Hospital Jammu was made functional this year while the much awaited new building at B&J hospital Srinagar is expected to be completed in the next 2-3 months while chemotherapy units have been started in almost all district hospitals.

TB Testing facilities have been ramped in Kashmir by at least three times and very soon Kashmir is expected to get TB free status.

An official said that there are thousands of posts lying vacant in the department since years and filling them can ensure healthcare facilities to all—(KNO)

Gulmarg witnesses record-breaking tourist influx of 1.65 million in 2023

Surpasses previous year’s 1.5 million mark; mostly foreign tourists visiting valley, say officials, assure this winter will be ‘heaven’ for adventure enthusiasts

Waris Fayaz

Gulmarg, Dec 29 (KNO): In a remarkable testament to its enduring allure, Gulmarg, the famous ski-resort, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, now adorned in a pristine white cloak, has set a new milestone by welcoming an astounding 1.65 million tourists throughout the year 2023.

The destination served as an irresistible draw for visitors seeking not only thrilling winter sports but also the tranquillity of its breathtaking scenery. Offering a unique blend of adventure and natural beauty, the substantial influx of tourists underscores Gulmarg’s position as a top-tier destination.

Speaking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Assistant Director Tourism, Gulmarg, Javeed-ur-Rehman said that the destination recorded around 16.50 lakh tourist arrivals in the year 2023, surpassing the previous year’s mark of 15.4 lakhs.

“Gulmarg is a jewel in the winter tourism crown, offering not only world-class skiing and mesmerizing views but also an opportunity to immerse oneself in the genuine warmth of Kashmiri hospitality,” he said. He said this year they are expecting a significant rise in tourist footfall, saying the destination is witnessing an average tourist arrival of 5,000.

On the eve of Christmas only, Gulmarg recorded the significant arrival of 10,000 tourists. What is more fascinating is the arrival of foreign tourists. “The allure of Gulmarg was heightened by the enchanting ambience of the holiday season. Once winter activities are going to take place, foreign arrivals will significantly rise,” the AD Tourism said, adding, “The destination is geared up for the new year and winter season boom. The hospitality sector, including hotels and guesthouses, is operating at full capacity, showcasing its ability to seamlessly host a large influx of tourists.”

Meanwhile, in a fervent call to the visitors, Rehman urged tourists to explore the unparalleled beauty of Kashmir. He highlighted not only the breathtaking landscapes but also the renowned hospitality that awaits visitors. “Come, be a part of the magic that is Kashmir. Let Gulmarg enchant you, and may the genuine hospitality of our people create memories that last a lifetime,” he said in a message to the tourists.

Meanwhile, an official from the tourism department, sharing the details of tourist influx for the year 2023, said Gulmarg recorded a record-breaking tourist influx of 16.50 lakh.

As per the official, in January, the total number of tourists was 95,989, which included 69,383 domestic, 26,149 local, and 457 foreigners. Similarly, in February, 92,412 total tourist arrivals were recorded. In March, 119,350 tourists marked their significance, in April 136,096 was recorded, while in May, 154,284 influx was recorded.

It was seen as a significant marking and a peak month for tourist arrivals at the destination in June and July. In June, 2,08,011 people visited the destination, which included 1,57,720 domestic arrivals, and 49,945 locals, while 346 foreigners also contributed to the numbering. In July only, 2,15,465 tourist influx was recorded, which includes 103,207 domestic arrivals, 1,11,519 locals, and 739 foreigners.

Similarly in August, 1,21,941 visitors visited the famous destination, September recorded 1,11,968 arrivals, and in October 1,24,757. In November 1,23,333 marked their presence while December recorded around 1,46,500 arrivals, mostly domestic and foreigners.

It is pertinent to mention that the authorities and the tourism officials are collaborating seamlessly to ensure the safety and satisfaction of the influx of guests, by implementing measures for crowd control, traffic management and the overall welfare of the visitors.

The iconic Gulmarg Gondola – Asia’s highest cable car – remained a major attraction, providing panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks that captivated the hearts of adventure seekers.

Speaking to KNO, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Gulmarg, Syed Altaf Hussain said that ahead of a winter season In Gulmarg, the administration is fully geared up and is done with the necessary preparations to ensure a safe, enjoyable and well-managed experience for everyone.

The official asked the visitors to stay informed about weather updates and follow safety guidelines. He urged them to cooperate with the authorities to make the winter season in Gulmarg a memorable experience. “The safety of residents and visitors is our top priority, especially in winters when roads are unpredictable,” he said.

Meanwhile, to ensure the safety of the people amidst the prevailing harsh weather, a control room has been also established to facilitate a swift response in the face of potential weather challenges. People have been asked to contact the officials of the SDM office at the time of any emergency, which includes Owais Ahmed (7889805393), Faisal Fayaz (7006952814), and Suhail Ahmed Parrah (9596516456).

Director Tourism, Raja Yaqoob speaking on the occasion of Christmas celebrations at the ski-resort said, “Mostly foreign tourists are coming to the valley, which is a happy gesture. Gulmarg is geared up for the winter season; the destination is packed up, followed by Pahalgam and Sonamarg, which is opening for the first for the winter.”

The officials from the tourism department said this winter season will be heaven for adventure enthusiasts as the destination has been geared up to offer an array of winter activities and sports including Skiing, Snowboarding, Gondola rides, Sleigh rides, Snowshoeing, Ice Skating to welcome them besides cultural events and festivals, which Gulmarg often hosts during the winter season to allow the visitors to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of Kashmir—(KNO)

Dense fog prevails, MeT predicts improvement in visibility tomorrow

Gbl among 3 places record season’s coldest night of season, feeble WD to affect J&K on Saturday

Mubashir Aalam Wani

Srinagar, Dec 29 (KNO): A couple of places including the Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district recorded the season’s coldest night while the dense fog continued to blanket Kashmir, causing inconvenience to the commuters across the valley on Friday.

For the first straight day, the dense fog engulfed Kashmir including Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir. The experts have stated the dense fig is an outcome of the persistent dry spell as well as the air pollution here.

Director Meteorological department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the fog would likely continue till January 04 due to the absence of any major wet spell here.

Moreover, Ganderbal, Budgam in Central Kashmir and Bandipora in north Kashmir recorded the coldest night of the season at minus 6.7 degree Celsius.

Pahalgam in South Kashmir recorded a low of minus 5.4 degree Celsius. Srinagar, however, shivered at minus 3.3 degree Celsius while Qazigund in South Kashmir has recorded a low of minus 4.2 degree Celsius.

Gulmarg, a famous ski-resort, has recorded a low of minus 2.5 degree Celsius. Kupwara in north Kashmir has recorded a low of minus 4.0 degree Celsius while Kokernag recorded a minimum temperature of minus 2.6 degree Celsius.

Moreover, the MeT Director said that the weather is expected to remain partly to generally cloudy with dry conditions. He added that there is a possibility of slight improvement in visibility during December 30th & 31st due to approaching feeble Western Disturbance.

On January 3 & 4, the weather is expected to remain cloudy with possibility of light snow at isolated higher reaches. “Overall there is no forecast of any significant weather activity till 4th January,” he said—(KNO)