India is a Welfare State wherein the Government is supposed to play a key role in the protection and promotion of economic and social well-being of the citizens. A welfare state is based on the principles of equality of opportunity and equitable distribution of wealth. It also stresses on the state’s responsibility for disadvantaged groups who are unable to make both ends meet. There is a social security for such people and the welfare of its citizens is the prime responsibility of the state. Technically speaking, a welfare state is an institution of social service rather than an establishment created out of power.
A welfare state is supposed to provide following things to its citizens:
- Ensuring individual liberty and social security and creating a balance between individual freedom and social control
- Ensuring the basic amenities of like food , clothing and shelter (Roti , Kapda aur Makan)
- Ensuring education , employment and health services / medical aid.
A welfare state is a form of government in which the state and its institutions are supposed to protect and promotes the economic and social well-being of its citizens, based upon the principles of equal opportunity, equitable distribution of wealth and state is committed to providing basic economic security for its citizens by protecting them from market risks associated with old age , unemployment and bad health.
The Article 47 of the Indian constitution is one of the Directive Principles which directs the State to improve public health as a primary duty.
Therefore, the Government cannot deprive its citizens the right to have better medical facilities at any cost.
SKIMS in bad health
The Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences -SKIMS is the largest medical institute in J&K which was set up in Srinagar’s Soura areas in late 1970s. After assuming power in 1975 for the second term, post signing of the Indira Sheikh accord, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the then Chief Minister of J&K was fully focussed on setting up SKIMS. The construction work began in 1976 and within 5 years the institute was partially commissioned on 5 December 1982 which happens to be the birthday day of Sheikh Sahib.
Infact, Mr Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah had died a few months back on September 8th 1982. On 19 August 1983, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences was granted University-like status through a legislative process. Every year the institute celebrates 5 December as its foundation day which coincides with the birthday of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah.
It has now been more than 40 years since SKIMS Srinagar was established but due to official apathy,the health of this institution has deteriorated. Recently, this author had made a detailed video report through our weekly programme Inkishaf wherein I had exposed how this prime health institution was suffering because of lack of specialist doctors and other paramedical staff.
The information sought by a noted RTI activist, Dr M M Shuja, from SKIMS under RTI Act 2005 has confirmed that:
- Out of 290 sanctioned posts of Professor, Additional Professor, Associate Professor and Assistant Professor, only 175 have been filled and 115 posts are still vacant.
- Out of 8 posts of Resident Medical Officers, only 2 have been filled.
- Out of 33 sanctioned posts of Technical Officers, 30 posts are vacant and have not been filled through promotions.
- Out of 16 sanctioned posts of Tutors, only 2 have been filled and 14 posts are still vacant. These are also not filled through promotion.
- To manage various labs, there is a sanctioned strength of 77 posts of Selection Grade Technologists but only 21 have been filled and 56 are still vacant. These positions are to be filled through promotion but this too hasn’t been done.
- Out of 258 posts of Technicians, only 83 have been filled and 175 posts are still vacant. These posts too aren’t being filled through direct recruitment.
There are dozens of posts which are lying vacant and if one were to continue writing about all of them, this article would be endless.
Need to ensure quality health care for all
Politically, the Government in centre, some political parties in J&K, or a section of society as well, may have differences with late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. However, the institution that he has set up for people of J&K should be protected at all costs.
SKIMS is ailing and needs a helping hand and proper care by the Government.
There are speculations that SKIMS might be clubbed with the AIIMS Kashmir in the coming years. In my opinion, this shouldn’t be done. Let this institution thrive and progress on its own.
On one hand, the Government of India or the J&K Administration under LG Manoj Sinha are doing a great job as far as the health sector is concerned. They have introduced schemes like PMJAY or opened subsidised chemist shops (Jan Aushidi centers).
Yet, the dearth of doctors and other paramedical staff is affecting the lives of patients at SKIMS. The government must not take steps which go against the constitution. There are rights to which we are entitled, simply by virtue of our humanity.
For instance, Rajasthan became the first state in India to have a law wherein citizens could have the right to health. In March this year, the government of Rajasthan passed the Right to Health Act, which gives every resident of the state the right to avail free services at all public health facilities. This includes free healthcare services, including consultation, drugs, diagnostics, emergency transport, procedure and emergency care. The new law in Rajasthan makes it mandatory for hospitals to provide treatment in emergency cases without waiting for medico-legal formalities and give medicines and transport facilities without charging money. Our government can follow suit.
Human Rights exist independent of our culture, religion or economic status. Only by the free exercise of these rights can we enjoy a dignified life. Among other fundamental rights to which we are entitled, health care is the most intersectional and crucial. The very frailty of our human lives demands that we protect this right as a public good and this is what a Welfare State is all about.
- Views expressed in the article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the editorial stance of Kashmir Observer
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