The Struggle for Affordable Healthcare in Kashmir

Meet Muhammad Sadiq, a 60-year-old from Anantnag, South Kashmir, who has been battling cancer for nearly three and a half years. He is currently undergoing treatment at the State Cancer Institute (SCI) at SKIMS, Soura Hospital in central Kashmir’s Srinagar.

Despite holding a Golden Card, Muhammad faced challenges in accessing free medical care and medications, leading to financial strain and mounting debts.

“We haven’t received any medications under the scheme,” he lamented. Each treatment cycle costs over Rs 38,000, placing immense pressure on his family.

Ulfat Jan, an 18-year-old caregiver, shared a poignant account of her mother’s cancer journey.

“I often hear from the Ayushman pharmacy that the chemotherapy drugs for my mother are not covered by the scheme,” she revealed. “But the same medications are available for purchase at the counter.”

Questioning the pharmacy’s commitment to assisting underprivileged patients, Ulfat expressed disappointment in the scheme’s inability to fulfill its promise of covering up to ₹5 lakhs annually for cancer treatment expenses.

Ulfat’s mother has been battling cancer for over two years, facing exorbitant costs for each chemotherapy session despite the scheme’s limited coverage.

Their story reflects the struggles of many Kashmiri families grappling with inadequate access to affordable healthcare due to the scheme’s shortcomings.

“The inconsistencies in the scheme need urgent rectification for the benefit of cancer patients who cannot afford to wait indefinitely,” Ulfat emphasized.

Following her mother’s ovarian cancer diagnosis in June 2023, Ulfat’s family has been deeply impacted. Her mother underwent a major surgery and is currently undergoing therapy cycles at SKIMS Soura Hospital.