Public health serves as the foundation of a society’s wellbeing and prosperity. It is the primary defense against diseases, ensuring the population’s physical fitness, mental health, and overall quality of life. The significance of a strong healthcare system has been highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating the need for robust health infrastructures capable of responding to such crises effectively. Over the years, the valley has faced numerous public health challenges, leading to a lack of access to quality healthcare for many people especially in the far flung areas. It’s not uncommon to find areas where medical facilities are scarce or non-existent, contributing to distressing health outcomes. Quality healthcare should be a fundamental right, not a privilege, and it’s the prime responsibility of the government to ensure this right is met for every individual. Improving public health in the UT requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to invest in modernizing existing health infrastructure, establishing new facilities in underserved areas, and ensuring the availability of essential medical supplies. But beyond that, we must also focus on preventive measures, promote health education, and address social determinants of health such as education, employment, and living conditions. This is not to overlook the commendable efforts made by the healthcare professionals in the valley. They have worked tirelessly, often in the face of adversity, to deliver the best possible care. Their dedication and commitment are nothing short of heroic. However, they need more than applause; they need support in the form of improved infrastructure, better resources, and appropriate policies. Moreover, public health in Kashmir valley cannot be improved in isolation. It requires collaboration from various stakeholders – government bodies, non-profit organizations, international agencies, and the civil society itself. Improving public health is not just about saving lives; it’s about ensuring a better, healthier future for the generations to come. The valley of Kashmir, with its breathtaking beauty and resilient spirit, deserves nothing less than a robust, resilient, and responsive public health system. The importance of public health cannot be overstated. A healthy population is a productive population, and a productive population is the cornerstone of a prosperous society. The purview of Public Health is broad based and engenders health policy, healthcare infrastructure with workforce, pharmaceutical or drug policy, diseases prevention, fostering good health practices, fostering health securities and risk assessment. In order to bring the expected change in health sector in the UT, all aspects spanning socio-economic domains need to be taken care of.
