NGOs Keeping Healthcare, Education On Track In Kashmir

With a crumpled handkerchief in her frail hand, Shameema (name changed), 50, a resident of Bemina locality in Srinagar of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), awaits her turn to receive treatment at the dialysis center of a local non-government organization (NGO), Athrout, in Nawakadal area of the old city. After the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, the region faced a breakdown of numerous services such as healthcare and education. However, organizations such as Athrout are coming together to ensure the flow of critical services. Even when thinking of the day her husband, who works as a laborer, mentioned that the golden card issued by the government under their flagship healthcare scheme Ayushman Bharat had stopped working, Shameema gets anxious. The absence of internet connectivity meant that she wouldn’t be able to receive her treatment as schemes by the government can only be accessed after online verification and her financial status prevented her from being able to afford treatment at a private hospital. She had given up hope of receiving treatment and was certain that she would not be alive for long. However, after making several rounds of the government hospital, her doctor suggested her to approach Athrout, which is where she goes for her regular procedure now. After all avenues for the downtrodden had been shut, Athrout picked up the mantle and is ensuring that the less fortunate continue to receive healthcare services. Their dialysis center has helped multiple patients across the Valley since the lockdown began and treats about 20 patients in two shifts every day.