Shopian, Jul 12: Patients in south Kashmir’s Shopian district say they are increasingly being forced to seek treatment at private clinics or travel to other districts due to the non-availability of key specialists at the District Hospital Shopian (DHS), raising concerns over access to affordable healthcare.

The hospital lacks specialists such as cardiologists, gastroenterologists and urologists, while expensive diagnostic equipment, including an echocardiography (Echo) machine, remains unused due to the shortage of trained personnel to operate it. Officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the hospital is currently short of 10 doctors and 48 paramedical staff, severely affecting the delivery of specialised healthcare services.

The healthcare facility was upgraded to district hospital status after Shopian was carved out as a separate district in 2008. It caters to the healthcare needs of more than 2.5 lakh residents from the district and adjoining areas.

“Patients have no option but to visit private clinics, which have mushroomed across the district because crucial specialists are unavailable at the district hospital,” said Javed Ahmad, a resident. “Those who cannot afford private treatment are the worst affected.”

Residents said that despite the hospital’s upgraded status, the shortage of specialist doctors and technical staff has persisted for years, forcing patients to travel to Srinagar or Anantnag for consultations and advanced treatment.

“This not only increases out-of-pocket expenditure but also delays timely medical care, particularly for elderly patients and those suffering from chronic illnesses,” said MithaGatoo, a civil society member.

Gatoo said the hospital’s echocardiography machine has remained largely unused because there are no trained specialists or technicians available to operate it.

“The authorities install diagnostic machines without ensuring that specialists or trained technicians are posted to run them. Equipment worth lakhs of rupees is lying idle while patients continue to suffer,” he said.

He said the civil society had approached the higher authorities on several occasions, urging them to fill vacant posts and strengthen specialist services at the hospital, but little had changed.

Gatoo also expressed concern over the growing burden of lifestyle diseases in Kashmir, particularly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), saying the absence of a gastroenterologist at the district hospital often results in delayed diagnosis and treatment.

“Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is on the rise in Kashmir. Early diagnosis is critical, but patients have to wait or travel outside the district because there is no gastroenterologist available here. That delay can prove costly,” he said.

He said the district also urgently requires a full-time cardiologist, noting that cardiovascular diseases are increasingly affecting younger people.

“We have seen several young patients suffer fatal heart attacks. A cardiologist at the district hospital could make a significant difference by ensuring timely diagnosis and emergency intervention,” he added.

Ashiq Hussain, another resident, said the absence of specialist care has fuelled the rapid expansion of private clinics in the district, leaving many families with little choice but to spend heavily on healthcare.

“When specialist services are unavailable in a government hospital, people are compelled to seek treatment in the private sector. For poor families, these expenses become an unbearable burden,” he said.

An official at the District Hospital Shopian, speaking on the condition of anonymity, acknowledged the staffing crisis.

“The hospital is facing a shortage of 10 doctors and 48 paramedical staff. We have repeatedly conveyed the matter to the higher authorities and hope the vacant posts will be filled soon so that services can be strengthened,” the official said.

Residents and civil society members have urged the government to fill vacant posts, deploy specialist doctors and trained technicians, and ensure that existing diagnostic equipment is put to use so patients can access quality healthcare closer to home.

Sonamarg, Jul 12: Flashfloods caused by intense spell of rainfall on Sunday occured in Lashpathri area of Sonamarg in Ganderbal district.

The flashfloods caused heavy flow of water in a nearby stream which washed away a portion of road in the Lashpathri area here. Locals said that the flashfloods damaged a portion of the road and affected the connectivity in the area.

They said the road leads to the place where several tourist huts are located.

The affected people appealed to the Sonamarg Development Authority to deploy a JCB to clear debris from the stream and restore access.

Srinagar, July 12: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today attended the Lal Ded Literature Awards and the release function of Dr. Vaidehi Taman’s new book “Lal Ded: The Mother of Kashmir”. He urged the awardees to share the timeless wisdom of Lal Ded, Kabir, Nund Rishi, Guru Nanak, and Tulsidas with the younger generation.

Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor said that our ancestors built India by balancing science with deep spiritual values, emphasising that progress requires both the scientist and the spiritualist.

“India’s greatest strength is its rich spiritual, scientific and cultural identity, passed down through centuries like a torch. I appealed to the youth to not let that flame die. Now is the time to use our rich heritage to inspire millions of new minds. Now is the time to innovate and give the youth of Jammu Kashmir a clear purpose for building self- reliant UT.

Nation-building is a shared duty for every citizen. Youth are the builders of our future. Do not settle for ordinary achievements. Dream big, work hard, and strive for excellence. Our nation’s journey succeeds through patience, hard work, and collective effort,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor said that India values both outward progress and inward spiritual growth. He said, traveling from Kashmir to Kanyakumari shows that our core traditions are still alive and this shared spiritual heritage guides our society and connects every Indian.

“I want writers, thinkers and artists to preserve and share this spiritual tradition. I am not suggesting we live in the past, but rather that we respect the truth, goodness, and grace of our heritage. We can stay open to the world while remaining deeply rooted—just like a tree with strong roots that survives the wind and grows.

I invite the society to do two important things: First, find a piece of your heritage that you lost in the busyness of life—whether it is a language, a song, a recipe, a story, or a tradition. Reclaim it, and inspire the next generation to do the same. Second, remember that our greatest strength is our cultural identity, passed down for centuries like a burning torch. I appeal to the youth: do not let that flame die. Now is the time to use our heritage to kindle millions of new flames,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He commended the work of writers, educators and artists and stated that those honored today have enriched our nation through their extraordinary work.

“They are guides for society, proving that true excellence is measured by the positive impact we leave on future generations. Whether through writing, teaching, art, or public service, they shape our shared future. In this rapidly changing world, we need writers and educators more than ever. They create ideas, preserve knowledge, and guide the youth. Literature makes us compassionate, and education gives us knowledge. Together, they create responsible citizens who can lead the nation forward,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor further said that young generation stands at the confluence of tradition and modernity. He noted that youth have technology in their hands, but their minds seek new purpose.

“It is the duty of our writers to connect youth to their cultural roots and to inspire them to think beyond boundaries with a purpose, with a new goal. It is the responsibility of our teachers to provide not only skills but also values, confidence and the courage to the youth to face future challenges. If literature and education go hand in hand, the nation’s progress will be not only material but moral and spiritual as well,” he said.

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor made five requests to intellectuals, writers, teachers, scientists, and creators. Encourage the youth to think independently and pursue truth, document and share rich culture, which is our greatest strength in a global world, bring ideas out of books and use them to solve real-world problems, share your experience to inspire the next generation to serve the nation and combine different areas of expertise to tackle complex challenges like climate change.

“Nation-building is a shared duty. A strong economy can build infrastructure, but only responsible citizens can protect it. Youth are the builders of our future. Do not settle for ordinary achievements. Dream big, work hard, and strive for excellence. Our nation’s journey succeeds through patience, hard work, and collective effort,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Responding to the request for a museum dedicated to great personalities like Lal Ded, the Lieutenant Governor assured that appropriate steps would be taken in this regard.

Tirath Singh Rawat, former Chief Minister, Uttarakhand; Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, former Member of Parliament and President, Asiatic Society of Mumbai; Prof. Neerja Mattoo, eminent writer; Dr Vaidehi Taman, author, and prominent literary personalities attended the award ceremony.

Padma Shri Dr SP Varma; Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary Culture; Dr. GV Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Srinagar; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar and other senior officials were also present.