Gasping for Breath

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News Kashmir Exclusive

Health sector, which is one of the main indicators of the development of any concerned nation, society or region has always presented bleak picture in Kashmir. Ventilators are key component of any concerned health sector. A medical ventilator (or simply ventilator in context) is a machine designed to mechanically move breathable air into and out of the lungs, to provide the mechanism of breathing for a patient who is physically unable to breathe, or breathing insufficiently.

 

While modern ventilators are computerized machines, patients can be ventilated with a bag valve mask,

 

a simple hand-operated bag-valve mask. Ventilators are chiefly used in intensive care medicine, home care, and emergency medicine (as standalone units) and in anesthesia (as a component of an anesthesia

machine).

 

When one takes a look at availability of ventilators in the Kashmir hospitals it provides dismal picture. Even the prime public hospitals in Kashmir are failing to have the desired number of ventilators. The lone pediatric hospital of Valley, GB Pant, too faces the shortage of ventilators. There are only 18 functional ventilators. Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) hospital, Srinagar has only 12 functional ventilators

Dr Nasir –ul- Hassan , Doctors Association Kashmir President , while talking to News Kashmir stated -” Ventilators are key to every health sector in the world. Ventilators have a key role in saving human lives everywhere but be it tertiary or peripheral hospitals ventilators are in very short supply in Kashmir .SKIMS with just more than two dozen ventilators and SMHS has just a dozen odd ventilators and rural hospitals are having no concept of ventilators at all. Our patients are dying for the want of ventilators as basically all critical patients need ventilator support .We are building big hospitals which I prefer to call recreational centres as they are not able to save patients and are just feeding employees. Ventilator related paradigms need a big overhaul if we want to achieve desired excellence in the health sector.”

A look at emergency of the most of the rural hospitals is enough to prove the sick nature of hospitals. Ironically, the crucial department like emergency is marred by widespread chaos and huge flow of patients. Virtually, the all important ventilators are nonexistent in our rural hospitals . Worryingly enough, there is no concept of ventilators in rural healthcare of Kashmir.

On the condition of anonymity, a senior Doctor at Bandipora District Hospital stated – ” Lack of ventilators is direly marring the health sector of Kashmir and it is the patients who are at the receiving end of all this .We have just one ventilator at Bandipora Hospital and this shabby condition especially with reference to poor availability of ventilators in our health sector is a big drawback in our health sector .”

There should be five ventilators for 100 beds and no hospitals in our part of the world are matching this set criteria. Experts and masses are urging on the government to improve the healthcare facilities in Kashmir and in this regard increasing the number of ventilators and providing every hospital with ventilator is the need of hour.

C-section in Kashmir crosses Dangerous Thresholds

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Rameez Makhdoomi

 

Caesarean section rates in the maternity hospitals of Kashmir have witnessed an abnormal rise over the considerable period of time. The harmful effects of caesarean section rates on maternal and newborn have been found by research .  According to research ,Caesarean sections can cause significant complications, disability or death, particularly in settings that lack the facilities to conduct safe surgeries or treat potential complications.

Statistics with reference to deliveries at Kashmir’s largest Maternity Institute, Lal Ded Hospital in Srinagar clearly point out an increase in the rate of caesareans. In a decade, the percentage share of Caesarean Sections in deliveries has risen from 45 to 60 percentile.

At G B pant hospital  in the year 2014-15 more than 70  percent women have undergone Caesarean Section .Even in private hospitals of Kashmir 75 to 80 percent deliveries take place by caesarean section only. This high percentage of Caesarean section across the valley based hospitals according to medical experts is a worrying facet.

Sameena Malik, Who recently gave birth to a baby via caesarean section states- “ The fact of the matter is that both patients and doctors are equally responsible for rising caesarean sections in Kashmir. On their part ,Patients have lost the patience to bear pain and at instances the doctors also encourage caesareans.”

 

As a matter of fact,  higher rate of maternal morbidity is associated with Caesarean Sections compared to natural births. WHO notes a maternal mortality rate of 20 per 100,000 births with Caesarean Sections, while the figure stands at just 2.5 per 100,000 births for normal deliveries in US. Pertinently, there is a risk associated with anesthesia. Not to mention the immediate and delayed complications of surgeries.

Dr. Sameena Sultan, an eminent  gynecologist is of opinion that multiple reasons are behind rising caesarean sections in Kashmir. “ The reasons behind the upward trend in caesarean section in Kashmir are multiple- Rising age of marriage .Small family norm ,non availability of labour anesthesia and continuous fetal monitoring . Also to add to it the  fear of labor pains rising litigations against health care professionals are main reasons behind rising caesarean sections in Kashmir .”

 

 

 

Recently health minister of Jammu and Kashmir Choudhary Lal Singh  directed the CMOs to take measures for encouraging institutional deliveries. He expressed concern about rising number of caesarean sections being done in various health institutions. He stressed on normal deliveries and suggested rate of caesarean sections should not be more than the permissible 20 percent of all the deliveries in the hospitals.

Undoubtedly, the pulse is that all out efforts should be taken to minimize the rising caesarean sections in Kashmir Valley .

J&K urges RTE Implementation

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Rameez Makhdoomi

A vibrant  education system is the cornerstone of a developed and progressive nation. Several Legislations have been passed to change the face of education towards betterment. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act or Right to Education Act (RTE),  an Act of the Parliament of India enacted on 4 August 2009 is one visionary act, which describes the modalities of the importance of free and compulsory education for children between 6 and 14 in India under Article 21A of the Indian Constitution. India became one of 135 countries to make education a fundamental right of every child when the act came into force on 1 April 2010 barring Jammu and Kashmir as Jammu and Kashmir enjoys the special status under Article 370 of the Constitution. Central laws are not automatically applicable to J&K state under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution and have to be passed via state legislature.

Right to Education act contains a number of positives that can really change the dynamics of education sector Of Jammu & Kashmir.  Right to Education Act makes education makes it a fundamental right of every child between the ages of 6 and 14 and specifies minimum norms in elementary schools.

The Right to Education Act also aims to contain undue influence of private schools as It requires all private schools to reserve 25% of seats to children from poor families (to be reimbursed by the state as part of the public-private partnership plan). It also prohibits all unrecognized schools from practice, and makes provisions for no donation or capitation fees and in added brighter paradigms no interview of the child or parent for admission.

Pertinently, the non-implementation of Right to Education Act in Jammu and Kashmir has worried many sane voices who point out that when we are at forefront of getting draconian laws implemented why not brighter legislations like Right to Education Act. Despite assurances government has not implemented this visionary act.

“Considering the poor educational status  of our state. Right to Education Act is a very bright act as  It envisages that  all private schools to reserve 25% of seats to children from poor families (to be reimbursed by the state as part of the public-private partnership plan). It also prohibits all unrecognized schools from practice, and makes provisions for no donation or capitation fees and no interview of the child or parent for admission. when we are at forefront of launching the black-laws why can’t we have the bright laws like right to education act ,” states Faizaan Bhat, a columnist on education issues.

Sheikh Sameer, Educationist states – “Right to Education act should be without any ifs and buts implemented in Jammu and Kashmir. As we are very well aware that this historical legislation has been implemented across India except J and K pending passage by Assembly. This act makes elementary education fundamental right from six to 14 and also tames the monopoly of private education system. Education is cornerstone of every civilization. It will be panacea for child labor also. Some capitalistic and hegemonic private schools associations might try to scuttle the implementation of this act as it envisages some reservation for deprived sections and thus we have to remain focused to get this act implemented soon .”

Certainly the opinion shapers, masses and intellectuals in unison are calling for immediately implementing Right to Education Act in Jammu and Kashmir.

 

Hopes of Good Governance

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Jammu and Kashmir is moving into 2016 with lots of hopes and expectations. The long running violent conflict has been paining the masses especially people of Kashmir as pain, death and destruction has defined the life in Kashmir. One added thing that has accelerated and added to continued chaos in all three regions Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh is the lack of quality governance. The hopes of people about good governance have been dashed time and again  , barring few short intervals of  time the state has witnessed not that much of what can be termed as good governance.

The voices are hoping that in the upcoming New Year the Jammu and Kashmir Government would focus on mantra of good governance.

Good governance and reaching via it to grassroots of the populace is the need of the hour and to an extent providing it can douse the angry fires in the state and ease out the overall paradigms of frustration. Let the government brainstorm and provide good governance to the masses of state.

Good Governance should involve taking series of steps on ground zero. The steps that should be taken should include giving the Thrust to employment and income generation,  Expanding provision of basic services , Reviving the traditional industries of Kashmir, Improving the face of public health and education sector, Relief & Rehabilitation for the dislocated and bereaved people.

Let the 2016 be the year of good governance for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

News Kashmir Expresses Heartfelt condolences with Umat Zahoor

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News  Kashmir Magazine entire team offers condolence to Umat Zahoor on demise of his Father Ghulam Nabi Patoo, a resident of

Khanyar  . Pertinently, he  was currently retired Government Employee, who was known for his honest caliber and humane nature.

News Kashmir Team prayed for the eternal peace of departed soul . Farzana Mumtaz, Editor-in- Chief News Kashmir while expressing obituary stated – “ We express full solidarity with bereaved family of Umat Zahoor in this hour of grief and pray to Allah to grant heavenly abode to the departed soul.”

Heavy battles between Iraqi Army and ISIS at Ramadi

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The battle to drive out Islamic State  of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) fighters out of the centre of Ramadi is entering its second day as Iraqi special forces fight the militants street by street.

Officials are optimistic that the city will be recaptured by the weekend.

But a spokesman for the US-led coalition has been more cautious, saying a tough fight is in prospect.

Iraqi forces are heading towards the main government complex, and have come up against snipers and suicide bombers.

Ramadi fell to IS in May in an embarrassing defeat for the Iraqi army.

Security sources told the BBC troops and allied tribesmen, backed by US-led air strikes, had already retaken two districts, and entered two others.

Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service spokesman Sabah al-Numani said its troops, supported by soldiers, police and Sunni tribesmen, began the assault on central Ramadi at dawn on Tuesday.

Barkha’s Unquiet Land Generates Interest in Kashmir

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Rameez Makhdoomi
Barkha Dutt debut Book The Unquiet Land has generated lot of interest among the readers of Kashmir on account of Barkha being throughout her prolific career as a Journalist closely associated with Kashmir via her ground reports on diverse realms of conflict ridden Kashmir.
Pertinently, the book Unquiet Land tells the truth about the India’s secrets and lies, its torments and triumphs, and its heroes and villains. This is the first book by Barkha Dutt, India’s best known journalist. In this book, Barkha Dutt recounts the stories that have left an indelible mark on her. Taken together, they provide a vivid, devastating and unforgettable portrait of the unquiet land .
Some of these stories go back centuries, others are of comparatively recent origin.

While talking to News Kashmir, Sheikh Sameer, a vivid reader Stated – ” The book penned down by Barkha Dutt is awesome and offers lot of interesting stories and is worth a great read. I made it sure to buy the book as soon as it was available here in Srinagar. Barkha Dutt has done Wonderful job by writing a really inspiring book especially bringing to light the stories that deserve attention.”
From the ground feedback, the youngsters are taking much interest in knowing what has been written in her first book by renowned journalist Barkha Dutt and reviews from Kashmir on this book will soon be penned down.

Food Insecurity

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News Kashmir Exclusive
Food insecurity fears are once again marring the masses of Kashmir courtesy a recent CAPD order to limit the supply of ration.
Protest, anger, dismay is brewing in entire Kashmir valley against the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) department at several places for issuing a circular that five kg ration will be provided to each family member each month in the state. The Srinagar city summer capital of the state was rocked with protests against this order at several places like at Gawkadal, Nawa Bazar,Karanagar etc.
Eyewitnesses accounts stated that the large number of disturbed people while staging recently a protest outside Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department locked the main gate of the office building. The protesters did not allow any employee or even the Director to enter into the office.
It is worth mentioning out here that the Consumer affairs & Public Distribution Department, Jammu and Kashmir, is entrusted with the responsibility of providing direct supply of essential commodities like Rice, Sugar, and Kerosene to consumers and ensure smooth supply of cooking gas to the consumers.
Astonishingly enough, there are also lot of discrepancies in the Fresh Forms provided by CAPD to check defects in the consumer database. It was disgusting feeling for many consumers to see that the basic details like photograph, name, parentage and address, which happen to be incorrect, are already been printed on the forms, without any mandatory blank space for making correction in those fields.
Masses are also totally shocked and angry with the order. Sheikh Sameer, a consumer states –“ The CAPD department by announcing five kg ration per head has made the common man very angry and thus forced all of us to raise voices against the department as the same amount of rice is not sufficient for us and we need to bear in mind that we are a place that heavily depends upon the ration . CAPD Should have also designed effective forms as in the wake of the discrepancies, CAPD should have come up with new forms designed in accordance with the necessities of making corrections. ”
On the otherhand, the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, Choudhary Zulfkar Ali described the move aimed by opposition to launch misinformation campaign on this issue.
In an official handout issued to press, Ali said some political parties have launched a misinformation campaign on NFSA to mislead the people and bar them from taking benefit of this historic scheme.
“The people should not fall prey to any propaganda and should try to take benefit of this revolutionary scheme,” he said, adding “as the implementation of NFSA would go a long way in plugging the pilferages in the existing public distribution system, the elements who were thriving on the loopholes in the system are also responsible for spreading canards regarding the scheme.”

Traffic Jams in Kashmir

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Despite Kashmir roads once known for having very less congestion are now a story of jams, jams and more jams. The traffic on frequent roads of Kashmir gets now locked for hours and as a result commuters, critical patients face lot of problems. This traffic jams in Kashmir cause many delays to masses to reach to their respective destinations. We are also very well aware that our traffic department is facing dearth of human resource and are not able to properly look after this jam problem as a result this has become a menace.
As we are very well aware that traffic jam has become one of the major problems in our state and residents now spend hours stuck in traffic in the srinagar like city . Traffic congestion in many places of the state is also becoming severe with every passing day . One possible solution to this grave problem is to impose heavy taxes on car drivers and use this money to make public transport better
The sane voices are calling upon the government to frame a strategy so as to counter the frequent occurrence of traffic jams does not put them to more troubles .The realities call that time is ripe to address this grave traffic jam problem before it gets out of hand and public begins to lose its patience.

Halt Hartal!

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News Kashmir Exclusive

 

The debate with full vigor is on in Kashmir Polity especially among pro-freedom circles on efficacy of Hartals as many believe that Hartal as a strategy has outlived its significance as a resistance tool . While striking the chords in this regard ,  People’s Political Party Chairman, Engineer Hilal Ahmed War, has appealed the resistance leadership to refrain from giving frequent strike calls as it amounts to “violation of human rights. Speaking at a human rights seminar organized by APHC, War said that regular strikes have crippled the economy of the Kashmiris, which can prove gravely detrimental to the movement in the long run.

Hartal in our region as its own history .Hartal (pronounced [həɽt̪aːl]) is a term in many South Asian languages for strike action, first used during the Indian Independence Movement. It is mass protest often involving a total shutdown of workplaces, offices, shops, courts of law as a form of civil disobedience. In addition to being a general strike, it involves the voluntary closing of schools and places of business. It is a mode of appealing to the sympathies of a government to change an unpopular or unacceptable decision. A Hartal is often used for political reasons, for example by an opposition political party protesting against a government policy or action.

 

Over the past 27 years of violent conflict of Kashmir this word Hartal has echoed almost billions of times in the hearts and minds of Kashmir to register their protest and anger against killings , unaddressed political aspirations and atrocities with about two thousand strikes observed in past 25 years in Kashmir.

While talking to The News Kashmir, Engineer Hilal War states – “We definitely need to revisit the strategy of Hartals. I have impressed upon the leadership to formulate a concrete strategy as an alternative to strikes which have yielded nothing except pushing people further away from the movement.We need to bear in mind that When people are deprived of their basic needs, while the leadership has an affluent lifestyle, it doesn’t do any good to the movement. It is a serious issue and should be addressed at the earliest. “

 

 

On the otherhand it is not just the single statement of Engineer Hilal War that profreedom leaders are beginning to feel the inadequacy of hartals as on ground  since considerable  time the Hartal as a strategy employed by profreedom polity is failing to garner impressive response. The representatives of Hurriyat Conference, an amalgam of different separatist parties in Kashmir recently decided to brainstorm at Mirwaiz Manzil in Srinagar to think of “alternate means” of protest.  Feedback from online platforms like twitter is being asked from youth to suggest alternative to hartals.

Manzoor Ahmad, a commoner states – “ The rampant strike calls have more often than not hurt the poor people of Kashmir and now from every political sense it looks that Hartal as a strategy employed by resistance leadership should be provided with alternative .After observing thousands of Hartals in Past 26 years there is feeling of tiredness about this method. Hartals now seem clearly losing their relevance.”

With the sentiment brewing that Political leaders in Kashmir have been highly abusing tactic of shutdowns and strikes undoubtedly the dire need to going  beyond Hartal politics is being felt not just by people but by pro-freedom polity.