The recent announcement by the Chief Minister to formulate a new health policy aimed at enhancing healthcare in Jammu & Kashmir, with a primary focus on rural areas, brings hope to millions of residents in these regions. Although the policy is meant for the entire state, prioritizing rural healthcare is crucial, as the current state of health facilities is widely known. In recent years, the establishment of new medical colleges and the launch of AIIMS in Vijaypur, Jammu, along with a similar institution under construction in Awantipora, Kashmir, have marked significant steps in healthcare infrastructure. However, remote areas still suffer from a lack of attention to their specific healthcare needs. Sub-district hospitals and primary health centers often face severe shortages of essential facilities, with many lacking even basic specialist services. Patients from these rural areas are frequently referred to medical colleges due to the absence of expert doctors and diagnostic services in their localities. The new health policy promises to address these gaps by enhancing diagnostic facilities at rural health centers. However, it is vital to address the root causes of healthcare challenges in rural areas, particularly the shortage of doctors. In urban areas, the scarcity of government medical practitioners has led to the growth of private laboratories, often with high testing costs, creating financial strain for rural patients, despite the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana providing free treatment. For this policy to be truly effective, it is essential that policymakers understand the distinct needs of rural communities and bridge the rural-urban healthcare divide. Mandatory deployment of doctors to rural health centers, coupled with human resource development for new hospitals, will be necessary to improve healthcare accessibility and quality in these regions. Only then will the health policy fulfill its promise of making healthcare services more equitable and accessible across Jammu & Kashmir.
