Failed healthcare system in a Disputed Territory.

The disputed nature of Jammu and Kashmir, and with it being one of the most highly militarized zones on earth. The effect of this conflict is directly and indirectly on the local population, it has been 70+ years now and still, it has not been resolved, and the cycle of killing is still going on since the time of the partition, UN has failed and so has the leadership of the countries involved in this conflict and it has devoured mostly many innocent citizens from both sides but Kashmiris are largely affected, almost 2 lac people have died because of the disputed nature of this territory in one way or the other. A large section of the population in Kashmir is suffering from different kinds of diseases related to mental health and many experts are saying it's because of the conflict, everyday people here are suffering, there are killings, arrests, children's are being blinded with pellet guns. Now after the abrogation of article 370 the mental issue like anxiety, and stress like things increased because of the suspension of the Internet services, in the times we are living internet is as important as oxygen. Now if you are suspending it will surely give rise to anxiety, and stress like mental ailments. 

Kashmir was already known for the high prevalence of mental health problems including depression, anxiety, and other stress-related disorders due to the ongoing conflict situation for many decades. One in ten has lost an immediate family member and one third has lost someone in the extended family. These figures are from a decade ago and with the current unprecedented situation when around 8 million people are being put under lockdown, one can argue that the entire Kashmiri populace is experiencing some kind of psychological trauma and distress. This is worsened by the mass arrests and alleged torture which is reportedly being broadcasted on loudspeakers in some places. Thousands have been put behind bars, including minors with no legal recourse. This is a perfect breeding ground for the development of many mental disorders. Not only Kashmiris living in the valley but those living outside India and other countries are equally suffering due to the uncertainty of the situation. A survey revealed that more than 90% of Kashmiri diaspora showing symptoms of anxiety and depression in the first month following the lockdown with predominant symptoms of acute stress, insomnia, and impending doom due to inability in contacting their loved ones. Children are the most vulnerable group of the population who have been deprived of schools, play, and any sense of normalcy, which is essential for optimal child development. It is a known fact that childhood adversity plays a major role in the development of many psychiatric problems in later life 

 Hypertension and thyroid disease are also major diseases that have affected a large section of the population here. And now if we talk about medication and healthcare, there is a deep-rooted nexus between doctors and pharma companies that are keeping generic drugs away from patients. Doctors prescribe expensive brand-name drugs when equally effective cheaper generic versions are available and on top of that these branded drugs turn out to be spurious at many times. And for prescribing these costly drugs to gullible patients, pharma companies provide these doctors everything from luxury cars, family trips to household items. Doctors here are fed and bred by pharma companies for pushing patients to purchase branded medicines. We register protests for every damn thing but I wonder why are we napping over this issue, and why are we allowing these crooks to play with our health and hard-earned money, they are traumatizing a population that has already gone through hell over the past 70 years. Isn't it time for us to wake up and kick these greedy crooks out who are playing with the health of our loved ones? People are finding it harder to afford proper medical facilities. With no health insurance like a facility in our part of the world, the health care providers are taking the already traumatized population on a ride. This all must change and the government must come with something that should turn beneficial for the whole country. Our children, who are the future of this nation, I believe they don't deserve to live in such kind of a society where the concept of proper health care is still a distant dream. Being myself, being a part of this conflict, I have seen pretty closely the helplessness of the people because of corruption, and the disputed nature of the territory. The rich are becoming richer and the poverty-stricken people are being used as fodder by the same rich class, the unwanted imbalance in society is taking us to the brink of extinction.