Better Health sector of any country speaks about the care for quality life. When fit, we enjoy life, down and life becomes meaningless. In developed countries much attention is focused on public health. Our  fragile health set up does not care much even if people die of callousness. In  a given situation why make such things happen. Imagine the plight of parents who would take their sick children discharged as healthy children. Instead, world came crumbling unexpectedly In far flung areas of the Valley, having a dispensary is a blessing; at least there is some one to check them. We have not done enough to facilitate and make people at large aware. Things are worse when we talk about women health. They remain the neglected lot always. First of all, an average  Kashmiri woman does not know  requirements of her body. Surprisingly,  many educated  women would not know how much calcium, protein and vitamin etc quantity they require as per the demand of different  stages  of age. For example calcium-12 plays an important role  in keeping the body fit. Consuming  red meat in large quantity and not taking supporting eatables with it can  create imbalance. On an average, we consult a doctor only when we are not well. Regular check ups is not a habit with us. In urban  areas,  hospital facility with all kinds of back-up  system is there , may there be  an emergency.  A serious  patient from far flung area is referred to hospital in Srinagar;  this is a cause of concern. Same facilities should be available at district hospitals only  dispensaries and PSCA’s play an important  role in far flung areas.  National Rural Health Mission has become a boon for many village women and children. The scheme has a definite goal – reach out to below poverty  line in every part  of the valley. NRHM has many segments.
No one focuses on pregnant women who get three medical check ups free and are provided a co-ordinator named as “Asha”. She should be married and should have basic knowledge about pregnancy care and child immunizations. Asha is a bridge between the doctor and patient. She plays an important role in making  such women aware about the scheme and the facilities provided  therein. Folic acid and tetanus injection is provided free of cost plus incentives at the time of delivery in government hospital. This segment  is know as  Janani Surakhsha  Yojna. High risk patients under this  scheme are referred to government hospitals with better facilities.
      Immunisation of children are provided free of cost which includes Hepatitis injections as well. Proper care is taken to maintain the cold chain. Where ever possible , portable  cold chain provided ice boxes are carried to far flung areas and service is provided at the door step.  Such schemes do help poor people in so many ways; but we need a good health care cover up wherein everything is provided at a place where health insurance schemes is also made compulsory. We need  to listen to doctors demands as well with this feeling in them that life a gift of God, let them honour it.
Shami Shair
Srinagar

Lastupdate on : Mon, 2 Nov 2009 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 2 Nov 2009 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 3 Nov 2009 00:00:00 IST