National safe motherhood day: A lens on Kashmir’s journey

Towards maternal health post-abrogation of article 370 and 35a

In Kashmir’s serene yet complex tapestry, National Safe Motherhood Day celebrated on the 11th of April, embodies a poignant narrative of resilience, challenges, and gradual progress in maternal health. This day, dedicated to advocating for women’s rights to adequate healthcare and safe childbirth, resonates deeply in Kashmir’s evolving socio-political landscape, especially following the monumental constitutional changes with the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A in August 2019. The abrogation of Article 370, which accorded special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and Article 35A, which allowed the state’s legislature to define permanent residents, marked a significant shift in the region’s autonomy and governance. This move met with both applause and apprehension, had profound implications not just politically but also for the healthcare sector, including maternal health services.

Kashmir, despite its unparalleled natural beauty, has been marred by decades of terrorism propagated from across the borders by our neighbours, impacting all aspects of life, including healthcare. While showing signs of progress, the maternal health scenario faces unique challenges. Geographical barriers and sporadic unrest have historically impeded access to healthcare facilities, making it difficult for expectant mothers to receive timely prenatal and postnatal care. While there has been investment in healthcare infrastructure, the demand outstrips supply, with hospitals often overcrowded and understaffed, particularly in rural areas. The psychological impact of ongoing conflict and uncertainty cannot be understated, affecting maternal health outcomes. Anxiety and stress are prevalent among expectant mothers, impacting pregnancies. There remains a gap in awareness regarding maternal health rights and services available, especially among women in more conservative and remote communities.

Despite these challenges, the last decade has seen notable efforts and achievements in the realm of maternal health in Kashmir. Post-2019, there has been a focused effort to integrate Kashmir’s healthcare system more closely with national health initiatives, including those aimed at improving maternal health outcomes. Increased funding for developing healthcare facilities has been allocated, with new hospitals and maternal care centres being established, especially in rural and remote areas. There has been a significant push to train healthcare professionals in modern obstetric care and to increase the number of female healthcare workers to address cultural sensitivities around childbirth. Efforts have been made to improve awareness of maternal health services through community health workers and programs to educate women on the importance of prenatal and postnatal care. Our Army has been a significant contributor to this field, and the medical staff of the Army has been actively carrying out outreach programmes and medical camps along with various NGOs to provide an impetus in this regard.

To build on the progress made and address the ongoing challenges in maternal health in Kashmir, a multi-pronged approach is needed. Continued investment in healthcare infrastructure, focusing on rural and conflict-affected areas, is crucial. Mobile clinics and telemedicine services can play a role in reaching underserved populations. There needs to be an emphasis on increasing access to maternal health services and ensuring the quality of care. This includes continuous training for healthcare providers in emergency obstetric care. They are integrating mental health services with maternal healthcare, providing counselling and support for expectant and new mothers to address stress and anxiety related to pregnancy and motherhood. They are strengthening community outreach programs to raise awareness about maternal health rights and services, focusing on remote and conservative communities where cultural norms may deter women from seeking care and ensuring that maternal health remains a priority area within healthcare policy in Kashmir, with clear goals and benchmarks for improvement. This includes leveraging national schemes and integrating them with the unique needs of the Kashmiri population.

Ensuring the health and safety of mothers is not just about avoiding tragedy; it is about affirming life, dignity, and the foundation of our societies. On National Safe Motherhood Day, we all must take a solemn pledge to prioritise every mother’s life, for their well-being shapes the future of our world. National Safe Motherhood Day serves as a critical reminder of the strides made and the journey ahead in ensuring that every woman in Kashmir has the right to a safe pregnancy and childbirth. The post-370 era presents challenges and opportunities for maternal health in the region. While the road ahead may be fraught with complexities, a concerted effort from the government administration, healthcare professionals, the Army, various NGOs, and the community can pave the way for a future where maternal health is not just a matter of policy but a lived reality for every woman in Kashmir. Embracing this vision can transform the narrative of maternal health in Kashmir, making it a beacon of hope and progress in the quest for safe motherhood.

Ideas, Opinions and Views expressed in articles are Writer’s own and may not be in accord with those of The Morn