Panchakarma treatment cheaper than Kerela...

Medical Tourism

http://www.risingkashmir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12793&Itemid=41

Srinagar: Famous Panchkarma treatment according to experts will be cheaper in Kashmir than its main heartland Kerala besides adding Valley to the world medical tourist destination map. 

Panchkarma is mainly used for the treatment of disc problems, obesity, ENT, orthopedic, skin problems, neurological and other related problems that are common in Kashmir.

Talking to Rising Kashmir senior doctor who performs Panchkarma treatment in Valley Dr. Abrar said, “Panchkarma will be used for both curative and luxurious purposes. It is cost effective and can be important attraction for tourists who otherwise move towards South India for it.”

Dr. Abrar is a part of Royal Kashmir Panchkarma, Ayurbvedic, Unani and Skin Hospital that started functioning, Saturday at Gupkar road. The hospital has offered two days free treatment to the patients in collaboration with Rotary Club Kashmir. The free camp was well received by the masses. 

Panchakarma (meaning five actions) was developed in India and according to Charaka, the five actions are Nasya (nasal therapy), Vamana (emesis or vomiting), Virechana (purging) and two kinds of Vasti (therapeutic enema), Nirooha Vasti and Sneha Vasti. Herbal decoctions are used for Nirooha Vasti and herbal oils for Sneha Vasti.
The Royal hospital also provides treatment for paralysis, arthiritis, insomnia, infertility, muscular atrophy, toxicity, varicosity and other health problems.

According to Dr. Abrar the therapy can be used for stress related disorders. “The therapy releases special neurotransmitters that are not normally secreted but are very effective in treatment of the problems,” said Dr. Abrar.
The treatment is WHO certified and is already being used at places like Royal Spring Golf Course where the elite of the society take advantage of the therapy.

“Now it is available for a commoner at low cost and normally 60 percent lower than the allopathic charges,” said Dr. Abrar.
In USA according to a recent survey 60 to 65 of patients are taking to Panchkarma treatment.
Dr. Amit Wanchoo, owner of a Pharmaceutical manufacturing unit in Kashmir Eton laboratories while talking to Rising Kashmir said, “Panchkarma can be utilized effectively here and Kashmir has the added advantage of climate, location and environment. This industry needs to be tapped and government should take interest in it.”

According to experts the establishment of the unit requires a capital investment of Rs 20 to 25 lakh and government can boost the entrepreneurship and also provide opportunities to students who are studying in the fields outside the State.
Irshad Ahmed who manages the Royal Kashmir hospital said,“We have diagnostic facility, Ultra sound, X-ray, leech therapy for multiple disorders and the treatment will be cost effective. Although some of the oils which we have to get from outside are costly as well.”

 The patients from Valley can avail the most anicient Unani and Ayurvedic time tested formulations on consultation fee of Rs. 20 only.

Kashmir University students side with sepratists

Hakeem Irfan

As the Srinagar parliamentary constituency is going to polls on May 07, students of Kashmir University Wednesday organized election boycott march in the campus raising slogans in favor of right to self determination and against the process of elections.

Hundreds of KU students assembled near law department of KU in the afternoon in wake of the election boycott call by the pro freedom leadership and against the religious intervention by the authorities.

Chairman Hurriyat (G) Syed Ali Geelani had called for an election boycott and also appealed masses to protest peacefully against the elections.

Chairman Hurriyat (M) Mirwaiz Muhammad Umar Farooq had also appealed people to wear black bands on May 04 as a mark of protest against the ‘religious intervention’ by the authorities.

Earlier authorities restricted the masses to offer Friday prayers at Jamia Masjid and other adjacent masjids by imposing strict restrictions in and around the old city for two consecutive Fridays.

“We want right to self determination. Elections are a futile exercise. Every one of us will boycott the elections and people outside should also do the same,” said a student of management studies who wished not to be named.

‘No elections-No selection-only way is Plebiscite’, ‘India go back’, ‘We want freedom’, ‘Masjideen Hamari Jaan se Pyari’ , ‘Islam Zindabaad’ , ‘Long live revolution’ slogans reverberated the atmosphere in the campus as the students continued to march in university lawns.

Students went to different departments urging the fellows to join in the protests. Departmental work was affected for two hours in the university as the students demonstrated in front of each department.

 According to a student the police in-charge in the university had asked them not to raise any pro freedom slogans but nobody paid heed to that.

“We don’t want jobs and never care about the development. We believe that freedom will bring everything with it. Troops should move out of the Kashmir. Our leaders should be released,” said Malik Akhter while addressing the gathering near the English department.

Marching towards the Maulana Roomi gate of KU students halted at the Vice Chancellor’s secretariat and raised slogans in favor of freedom, against the religious intervention and election boycott full throated.

“They have started to restrict us even from prayers. We cannot bear that. State is forcing the educated youth to take up guns again,” said a student of Urdu department who was also leading the sloganeering.

 Students also raised slogans against the National Conference, People’s Democratic Party, Congress and other pro India parties.

“Down with Omar Abdullah, we fear none other than Allah,” was the resonating response of the students to a call from one of the protestors.

“Our masjids are being haunted by the troopesr and police. How can we remain silent? All this is the manifestation of the oppression we are facing,” said Nimer Qayoom a student of management studies.

Students were not allowed to move out from the gate and the media persons too were not allowed to move in. 

The students were also wearing black bands as a mark of protest and later dispersed peacefully.

SRTC still grey, not white elephant

Corporations in European states record lower revenues than JK

http://www.risingkashmir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10580&Itemid=55

The idea of closing Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation doesn’t appear a novel one considering the fact that the corporation recovers 70 per cent of its total expenditure, more than most European countries.

Senior officials in JKSRTC said that the corporation recovers Rs 5 to 6 crore a year, which is around 70 per cent of the annual expenses – Rs 8.5 crore – of the corporation.

Public transport systems throughout the world are essentially loss making and most European countries recover lesser amount of the total expenses on the corporations than JKSRTC.  

According to a study carried by Sustainability in the Public Transport Market (SIPTRAM) Project, the public transport system in Finland recovered only 67 per cent of its total expenses. 

France only recovered 37.5 per cent money from its public transport until 2006 and now has improved with few per cent.  In Sweden cost recovery is only 60 per cent. 

Senior JKSRTC officials said that the corporation was recovering Rs 23 crore a year in 1988-89 which has now gone down to a few crore. However, in spite of this SRTC is paying tax of Rs 5 to 6 crore to the government every year at a rate of 18 per cent with no help from the government.

As per the RTC Act of 1950 the Corporation should get the support of 66 per cent from the state and 33 per cent from New Delhi and it is supposed to be a separate body.

However other states pay only 6 per cent tax to New Delhi as per RTC Act of 1950, which officials said was indicative of partisan treatment the State gets.

New Delhi stopped funding the corporation from 1987 after which the corporation somehow managed to stay active till 1990.

Besides, presently SRTC has only 1 per cent share in the transportation market.

Andhra Pradesh SRTC (ASRTC) is one of the biggest services with 21000 vehicles plying and 99 per cent of roads under its control. SRTC has 1.2 lac employees and inspite of such a huge infrastructure the corporation runs in losses and is supported by the government.

Delhi Transport Corporation with 8000 vehicles and nearly 1 lakh employees is too running in losses but the salary of the monthly salary of the employees is Rs 24 crore which is paid by the government.

“JKSRTC has only 600 mobile vehicles with monthly expenditure of 3.4 crore expenditure monthly on the salaries but government pays only 15 to 20 per cent of it,” said an official.

According to a book ‘Management and Funding of Public Transport’ compensation for carrying out public service obligations is necessary for the public transport. 

Public authorities have to pay transport companies to carry out an unprofitable service for the public. 

Subsidies for the deficit coverage must be funded by public authorities through general budgets (central government, federal states or territorial authorities), the book specifies.

The book also specifies that “Public transport systems are systematically loss making...It is not possible simply to cover all the costs from the fares paid by the passengers.”

“CC type politics was not fruitful”

Asiya Andrabi, head of Deukhtaran-e-Millat, talks to Rising Kashmir staffer Hakim Irfan about her impressions on post election scenario, leadership of resistance movement, and what went wrong with boycott campaign. http://www.risingkashmir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9680&Itemid=37 Hakeem Irfan: Recently you made a remark about Syed Ali Geelani that he should lead pro-freedom movement as a spiritual leader. Can you elaborate on that? Asiya Andrabi: I mean that Geelani sahib should lead the nation like late Sheikh Ahmed Yaseen of Palestine, Imam Khomeini of Iran and other spiritual leaders of the resistance movements all over the Muslim world. The spiritual component of the movement is also necessary which is lacking here. Spiritual leaders have more hold on the nations rather than mere political leaders. Politics is a hectic job and health of Geelani Sahib may not allow him to do justice with the hectic schedule of political activity. For example, in October 2008 movement was at a crucial stage but Geelani sahib was getting his pace-maker changed at a hospital in New Delhi. How can we expect him to lead the Lal Chowk March those days. This is why I said that he cannot play the active role in politics now. HI: How can you describe the role of pro freedom leadership in the recent election boycott campaign? AA: Look, Sonia Gandhi went to Uri and Rahul Gandhi addressed rallies at the far flung areas here. But our Hurriyat could not reach out to the masses. It is our (pro freedom leadership’s) incompetence that the people voted in such huge numbers. Boycott was successful in Srinagar because of the fact that people are in continuous contact with the pro freedom leadership. People in far flung areas are still being neglected by us. I understand that the leadership was arrested and detained but now we have to look forward for the effective program to continue the movement. These so called mainstream politicians went to every nook and corner of the state and assured people of giving them the basic amenities. I still remember that people said that voting never corresponds to the support to Indian rule. These are two different things. A young boy from Ganderbal who voted was interviewed on BBC and he said, "If at this moment the procession for freedom will be organized I will be the first to lead it." People are with the cause and it was clear in the massive protests before the elections.  I feel that we were wrong in our later day understanding and ex ecution of things.    HI: You suggested few names as the new young and dynamic leadership to take responsibility of carrying forward this movement. Do you want any addition or deletion to the list? AA: I never meant that the names I suggested make the final choice for the new leadership. These names were just flashing in my mind. There are other people also, but the thing is that we have to identify them and organize them on a single platform. It is everybody's duty to suggest the capable person for this huge responsibility of representing the cause. HI: You said that Coordination Committee turned into a dustbin. Is Coordination Committee still relevant? Coordination Committee type politics was not fruitful, as for as I am concerned. Actually the unification should be based on ideology and principles. This sustains and remains functional even if every individual is arrested or detained. It is an irony that every individual became the member of CC and that is what I termed later as the dustbin. Every press release coming in the media read, "President of the party and CC member." It turned into a joke. CC had just nine members when it was formed. But later the situation was such that it felt that whoever we find here around is actually the member of CC. With the result it affected the role of CC itself. Every individual was trying to take CC as per his or her own scheme of things. Now I strongly feel that we have to introspect and see if CC type politics is still relevant. There can be problems within which we have to point out and rectify.   HI: What were the problems within? AA: For example, close relatives of the Hurriyat (M) members participated in the elections. At least the members should have been on a social boycott with those relatives. They did not have even that much of courage. I have examples were commoners boycotted the people who participated in the elections.  Whole Family of Agha Syed Hassan Budgami participated in the elections, Sajad Gani Lone's sister, Executive member of People's Conference Engineer S Rashid participated in elections. Verbal statements have no relevance, they should have openly appealed people to refrain from supporting their family members or relatives. It becomes a joke when one member of family calls for boycott and other asks for vote. Ask Abbas Sahib, what he was doing for election boycott. Prof. Sahib was resting in Pakistan, when Mirwaiz said that they will lead the boycott movement in different areas.   HI: Where did you see the things went wrong during the massive peaceful protests? AA: Calling off the strike was a blunder. I cautioned Gelani Sahib at that movement and informed him that people are ready to face the challenge but as he is soft at heart (Raqeeq ul Qalb) he didn't pay any heed to that and called off the strike. He was concerned about the day to day lives of people. I told him that we meet people and have a grasp of the pulse. The termination of the strike was a shock to the whole nation. Election Commissioner was visiting here at that moment and the pro freedom leadership cleared the environment for them. Every home had stored the necessary items and was prepared for a long term peaceful resistance. HI: Was the call for boycott from pro freedom leadership a wrong decision? AA: No, actually the boycott was necessary. We miscalculated that there will be a massive boycott. But this assessment of ours was wrong. Elections made it clear that the pro freedom leadership has to work at the grass roots level and educate people about the impact of voting and election vis-à-vis Kashmir problem. We have to correct their belief they still hold that casting a vote in any case is an obligation. HI: What should be the immediate homework for the pro freedom leadership? AA: Our pro freedom leaders should move to their own areas and address people there. Pro freedom leadership has to take care of their native places. People are influenced by the local leadership and they can better empathize with their local representatives. But Geelani sahib should be present in Srinagar and lead the movement from here. Besides, the pro freedom leadership will sit together in coming days and devise a strategy for the continuity of the movement. Ups and downs come and go, but we have to learn to overcome the pressures and move on. Also, we have the ideological relation with Pakistan and we have to understand the situation there as well. We need their continuous support. HI: Is there any idea of forming a government in exile, in Pakistan Administered Kashmir?   We don’t need a government in exile. We experimented with the idea in 1990 and ministries were also distributed, but that didn’t worked. Pro freedom leadership here is capable of leading the movement. But we need continuous support from Pakistan. I am more concerned about the integrity of Pakistan. We cannot afford the well being of Kashmir at the cost of Pakistan. We will solve the issue by being firmly grounded here. HI: How can pro freedom leadership regain the support of the masses now? AA: We are definitely in need of a socio economic model that can help people and address their day to day needs. We have to be multi dimensional in our approach. We need not politicize it. But the morally upright people should handle all this. Few years back I was in London addressing the female audience. After I completed the address, to my utter amazement, they offered their jewelry as a donation for Kashmir, but I refused saying I cannot take that. They said that they are sending a lot of money to Kashmir and I also came to know about the names receiving that money. But then nobody is accountable here for that. Besides we had a social organizations of Dukhtaran-e-Milat, but they all were closed by the authorities few years back. Even the sewing machines of our social work centers were sealed under POTA. Now we have to create the institutions which can be of some help to the population and they might not have to approach to any other person for such requirements. HI: Do you mean that Hilal-e-Ahmer should be revived? AA: Name doesn’t matters. It is the work that matters. The organizations formed on this pattern can have any name. It can be Hilale Ahmer as well.

‘People conscious of freedom sentiment’

In a candid interview with Rising Kashmir staffer Hakeem Irfan, Kashmir Bar Association President Mian Abdul Qayyum, observes that when State uses force to quell peaceful protestors and army, police and intelligence agencies take courts for a ride, aspirations of people mellow down. He also throws light on the pre and post poll situation in the Valley.  

http://www.risingkashmir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9834&Itemid=37

Q: Lawyer’s movements have always been effective and result oriented in the subcontinent especially in Pakistan. Do you think Bar has not been that effective here? 

A: Bar is not a political organization. This is not Hurriyat Conference. Bar strives for the peaceful settlement of the Kashmir issue. We hold conferences, protest against the human rights violations, investigate them and highlight Kashmir issue where ever it is possible.

 

Q: Filing writ petitions and taking legal course of action regarding different issues in a conflict zone are seen as an effective tool in the world outside. What is Bar doing in this regard? 

 

A: It is not that we will go and file a writ petition. We analyse the things and when ever it is necessary we do take the necessary action. If we find somebody is arrested arbitrarily (arrest without following any procedure of law) we do take action. I have filed hundreds of such petitions on my own. There is a big team of Bar Association which is doing only this job of filing petitions, challenging unlawful detentions, filing habeas corpus petitions and looking after different cases. But then there are various factors for these movements not being apparently fruitful.

Q: Why are these movements apparently not fruitful?

A: Judgments quashing detentions and other things are passed by the honourable court. But then there is 'Jungle Raj' here. Nobody listens to the orders of the court. If somebody gets bail from the court, he or she is re-arrested in another case. This is an unending circle where there is no respect for the rule of the law. Court is taken for a ride by the police, army and other officials. 

Q: Any legal paper Bar has prepared regarding the solution of Kashmir issue?

A: Yes we have prepared a document way back in 1990 and it was the first memorandum which went to the United Nations in 1990. It says Kashmir is a disputed issue. The only way to settle this issue is to hand over the territory to trusteeship of UN for the period of five years and allow the people of this region meet and interact. Then allow them to decide their future. Place three boxes in front of them with an option of India, Pakistan and freedom and then whatever will be the decision of Kashmiris that will be implemented and obeyed. 

We have also said that these elections cannot solve the Kashmir issue. 

Q: Was Coordination Committee a failure in the ultimate analysis of the recent pre and post poll era?  

A: Coordination Committee program was not a failure. The poll percentage in Srinagar was officially 20 percent that means rest of the population boycotted. Same was the scenario in parts like Shopian, Sopore, Baramulla, Islamabad and other places. Nobody has verified the government figures and statistics. There was no transparency. Only government version is available with us. It is a misconception that boycott has not worked. There are 8 lakh Indian troops here and elections cannot be normal under such circumstances. I will give you the example of Tral where a friend of mine said that the army took some 35 elders in their custody and asked them to vote. They were warned that if they will not vote their whole family will be taken in custody the next day. People know that the roads, power and development cannot replace freedom and they are conscious of that.  

 

Q: What about people saying that they voted for roads, power, employment and development? 

A: People were made to say this statement. You see this pattern from Bandipora to Srinagar. They were tutored to say that they are voting for the development and roads. People are conscious that these things don’t matter but under force, fraud, coercion and deception they were made to say this.

Q: Are the peaceful protests still relevant? 

A: Let these army people go or move into their bunkers for some time and see how people will come out for freedom marches. You must see the things in context of the military presence here. When State uses force people will be fearful and reluctant to say what actually their aspirations are. Fear is preventing people to come out

Q: Has CC lost its reputation amongst the masses as some pro freedom leaders have hinted? 

A: I don’t think so. If people are with the cause that means they are with the pro freedom leadership. No one has said that they don’t want UN resolution to be implemented. People are with the movement and they are with the pro freedom leadership.  

Q: Is there need of socio-economic model from the resistance platform to reach out to the masses, who…? 

A: (Interrupting) Yes, there is a need of such movement but then they unnecessarily become the target and looked with the suspicion. We will favour any such program from the resistance platform. But as Bar Association we will not contest the elections for that. 

Q: What are your views as a legal expert on the recent anti-terror law, passed in the India parliament, and its implementation and effects vis-à-vis Kashmir? 

A: I feel Omar Abdullah has been accepted as the CM of the State by the government of India only to extend this law to Jammu Kashmir. He will have to accept the dictations from Delhi. That is why some politician of NC recently said that this law applies to JK as well. It is not a fact. 

There is a tacit understanding that what ever law Delhi will extend to the State CM has not to object. This anti terror law passed by India parliament will not ipso facto apply on the State of Jammu Kashmir because of Article 370. This law here has to be implemented in consultation with the government of Jammu Kashmir (Governor with his counsel of Ministers) and then the consensus document will be forwarded to President of India through Governor of State. President has to make a declaration and notify that parliament can make the law for the State. But again the consensus of the State government is necessary. But you see that has not happened here. Still if this law is applied to the State it will be just to further oppress and harass the people here and strengthen the control. This law will be implemented to bring the people in fold of this law and break their resistance will and sentiment.    

Q: Why are these movements apparently not fruitful?

A: Judgments quashing detentions and other things are passed by the honourable court. But then there is 'Jungle Raj' here. Nobody listens to the orders of the court. If somebody gets bail from the court, he or she is re-arrested in another case. This is an unending circle where there is no respect for the rule of the law. Court is taken for a ride by the police, army and other officials. 

Q: Any legal paper Bar has prepared regarding the solution of Kashmir issue?

A: Yes we have prepared a document way back in 1990 and it was the first memorandum which went to the United Nations in 1990. It says Kashmir is a disputed issue. The only way to settle this issue is to hand over the territory to trusteeship of UN for the period of five years and allow the people of this region meet and interact. Then allow them to decide their future. Place three boxes in front of them with an option of India, Pakistan and freedom and then whatever will be the decision of Kashmiris that will be implemented and obeyed. 

We have also said that these elections cannot solve the Kashmir issue. 

Q: Was Coordination Committee a failure in the ultimate analysis of the recent pre and post poll era?  

A: Coordination Committee program was not a failure. The poll percentage in Srinagar was officially 20 percent that means rest of the population boycotted. Same was the scenario in parts like Shopian, Sopore, Baramulla, Islamabad and other places. Nobody has verified the government figures and statistics. There was no transparency. Only government version is available with us. It is a misconception that boycott has not worked. There are 8 lakh Indian troops here and elections cannot be normal under such circumstances. I will give you the example of Tral where a friend of mine said that the army took some 35 elders in their custody and asked them to vote. They were warned that if they will not vote their whole family will be taken in custody the next day. People know that the roads, power and development cannot replace freedom and they are conscious of that.  

 

Q: What about people saying that they voted for roads, power, employment and development? 

A: People were made to say this statement. You see this pattern from Bandipora to Srinagar. They were tutored to say that they are voting for the development and roads. People are conscious that these things don’t matter but under force, fraud, coercion and deception they were made to say this.

Q: Are the peaceful protests still relevant? 

A: Let these army people go or move into their bunkers for some time and see how people will come out for freedom marches. You must see the things in context of the military presence here. When State uses force people will be fearful and reluctant to say what actually their aspirations are. Fear is preventing people to come out

Q: Has CC lost its reputation amongst the masses as some pro freedom leaders have hinted? 

A: I don’t think so. If people are with the cause that means they are with the pro freedom leadership. No one has said that they don’t want UN resolution to be implemented. People are with the movement and they are with the pro freedom leadership.  

Q: Is there need of socio-economic model from the resistance platform to reach out to the masses, who…? 

A: (Interrupting) Yes, there is a need of such movement but then they unnecessarily become the target and looked with the suspicion. We will favour any such program from the resistance platform. But as Bar Association we will not contest the elections for that. 

Q: What are your views as a legal expert on the recent anti-terror law, passed in the India parliament, and its implementation and effects vis-à-vis Kashmir? 

A: I feel Omar Abdullah has been accepted as the CM of the State by the government of India only to extend this law to Jammu Kashmir. He will have to accept the dictations from Delhi. That is why some politician of NC recently said that this law applies to JK as well. It is not a fact. 

There is a tacit understanding that what ever law Delhi will extend to the State CM has not to object. This anti terror law passed by India parliament will not ipso facto apply on the State of Jammu Kashmir because of Article 370. This law here has to be implemented in consultation with the government of Jammu Kashmir (Governor with his counsel of Ministers) and then the consensus document will be forwarded to President of India through Governor of State. President has to make a declaration and notify that parliament can make the law for the State. But again the consensus of the State government is necessary. But you see that has not happened here. Still if this law is applied to the State it will be just to further oppress and harass the people here and strengthen the control. This law will be implemented to bring the people in fold of this law and break their resistance will and sentiment.    

'Wise men change their mind, fools never do’

Shahidul Islam, 43, has a checkered career. He graduated in law, plunged in armed struggle against Indian rule in Kashmir, came over ground and joined Hurriyat Conference – the umbrella group of separatist outfits.  Through all these phases he lived as his alias, Shahidul Islam, but now he wants a “clean break” from politics and wants to live as advocate Aftab Ahmad Shah. Rising Kashmir reporter Hakeem Irfan caught up with 

Shahidul Islam at the latter’s uptown residence in Srinagar. Read on: 

http://www.risingkashmir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10187&Itemid=37

How did start off?

 

I started my political activities in 1984. We were just a few students in the beginning like Yaseen Malik, Shakeel Bakshi, Showkat Bakshi, Ishfaq Majeed, Javed Mir and others who were conscious of the political scenario of the region. We were associated with the Islamic Students League (ISL). But when ISL decided not to participate in the 1987 elections and just help the Muslim United Front (MUF) I and Mushtaqul Islam formed Muslim Students Federation (MSF) of which I was the founder President. Later, we recruited people for the armed group ‘Hezbollah’ from MSF itself. I was underground for eight long years and after my release in 1998 I joined pro-freedom politics.

How do you interpret your shifts from a militant to an over ground pro-freedom politician?

I love to take risks. I was a junior lawyer in the chamber of Muzaffar Hussain Beig; it was a dream those days. But then I decided to go for the armed training across the border. I took to the arms consciously. I believe that was necessary as our cause was echoed in the international echelons of power with our gunshots. Again shifting to the upper ground politics was a conscious decision and necessary as well. 

But you are generally considered as second fiddle to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq?

People might say that. But it is an irony that we have a leader in every second lane and nobody is ready to follow. I chose to be with Mirwaiz as I saw all the leadership qualities in him. Besides I am confident about my decisions and I know which way to go. I don’t want to be just another addition to a lot. I am more concerned about my contribution to the society. 

Is there something really wrong with the Pro-freedom leadership? 

There is lack of the trust in the leadership here. It is because of the agencies of India and Pakistan. Sad part of the story is that every second individual is dubbed as an IB, RAW or ISI agent. There is a complete chaos in the mutual relations that affects the leadership as well. They should unite and move forward positively. Personally, I have decided to take a clean break from politics and join social work.

Can you elaborate on your new social work venture?

I have been working in Rafiabad and some upper reaches for more than six months now. I feel there is genuine need of addressing the poor and neglected class of the society. I will be concentrating on North and South Kashmir. I am formally starting it in the coming month. This got delayed as generally people here have grown skeptical about such ventures and they might have misconstrued it as my preparations for elections. I tried to delay it post elections. I have already conveyed it to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and he has also given his consent. He appreciated my decision. Problem here is that whosoever differs with the traditional stand is suspected. I had to be careful about my decision.

Have you parted ways from the Hurriyat (M) or submitted a resignation?

I have not tendered my resignation yet but will be doing so in near future. I feel like people in the far flung areas are in need and I must take an initiative for them. It might be just a beginning and others shall hopefully follow. I am impressed by the Americans who are well settled but they work for the people here like Carin Jodha Fischer who is working with Rafiabad Rural Development Foundation. They live in the jungles for months together and help people there. It is a tough job and my fingers are crossed. I will be starting my social work career with Carin.

What forced you to take this decision?

I am impressed by the social work of Abdul Sattar Edhi of Pakistan. I have decided to work actively as a social worker. I as a city dweller want to set the example by moving towards the rural areas and work for the people there. I mean nation building. I will work for the orphans and war widows. We have to stress on the institution building and economic self reliance which unfortunately pro-freedom leadership here could not do. Mere slogans, stone pelting and rhetoric will not work. I will be moving to Lolab and Gurez and after that I will be going to South Kashmir. I don’t know how people will take it but I will stick to my decision. Even in politics as Mirwaiz sahib also hinted there is a dire need of working at the grassroot level in the villages and strive for the self reliance.

How will you finance your work?

I don’t want to create an NGO type structure that has been much exploited here by the agencies. The legitimate funding sources in America and Europe will be helpful in moving forward quickly. I don’t care how this will be interpreted but I am sincere, honest and enthusiastic about my new role as a social entrepreneur. It is a natural extension of the struggle that will encompass the developmental work. It is all about moving out from your drawing room and performing at the ground level. Besides I owe this to my nation as I was the man with gun as well. People should not be dependent on MLA’s and others. I will not be there to beg for the votes but the people must have the alternative to look up to.

When did this idea strike you?

 

There was realization within the young leadership to think rationally about the issues in early 2008. I also wrote an article in a local English language daily about self reliance that was much appreciated. Leadership was contemplating over such issues but then the summer 2008 uprising started and all got carried way by that. We were busy with all that. Although pro-freedom leadership knew that this will not last long and proved to be the reality. People had started thinking on those lines after Sajad Lone organized the seminar on May 25 about the realistic approach of the pro- freedom leadership. It was a good thinking creeping in but then it could not grow because of events that followed.

Does the shift towards active social work indicate your dejection from the pro-freedom politics?

No. It is just that wise men change their minds and fools never. I will feel happy if the pro freedom leadership will follow any such model. I believe that there are number of ways to help the people. We should have our own vegetables, fruits, poultry, electricity and every thing else we need. We have to be economically independent. Besides, we have to be all-inclusive with positive approach. Every leader here fears that he or she might be slapped with a fatwa if he or she will start thinking afresh. Leaders are meant to be pro active and ready to take new decisions and steps. Shakeel Bakshi and Asiya Andrabi had hinted about the developmental work and self reliance much earlier. I am impressed by their outlook on the developmental issues. 

By “all-inclusive” do you mean that the mainstream politicians should also be taken into confidence?

Look! It is an achievement for the pro-freedom leadership that the mainstream politicians today are also speaking about the resolution of the Kashmir issue.  They are speaking the pro freedom language. Besides, Geelani sahib and Mirwaiz sahib also suggested them to join the pro freedom clout. We have to be optimistic and positive about the dynamics of the change and also be confident to perform where ever we are. Sincerity and honesty of purpose is the corner stone for everything. Our people and leaders have to think beyond themselves. We have to avoid internal bickering and hypocrisy. We have to learn to appreciate the others work and simultaneously try to excel in our own domain rather than defaming and demonizing others. We cannot blame the slavery and conflict for every wrong we do. We have to evolve ourselves to be able to behave as a nation. We have to utilize our time and energy in a positive way.

Medical Tourism in Kashmir

Medical Tourism in Kashmir

‘Troopers should move to borders’

‘Though Karnataka and Maharashtra lead in patient care, people will prefer Kashmir if better facilities are provided'

http://www.risingkashmir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=10317&Itemid=37

Chairman of National Board of Quality Promotion, Associate Vice President, Head - Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai, member International Society for Quality Assurance in Health Care (ISQA) Dr Ravindra Karanjekar in conversation with Rising Kashmir Staffers Baba Umar and Hakeem Irfan says Kashmir is ideal for medical tourism as climate, hospitality, environment are all there. 

Q: What is the status of health sector in India? 

A: In India healthcare infrastructure is not supportive in terms of number of hospitals, beds, man power management. Also people don’t have quality perspective in vital area like health. They don’t understand quality as important driver for standardization of health sector. In USA patient stay is only 3-4 days and in UK it is floating. For quality we need five beds per medical students. But today in India, on an average, patient stays in a hospital for 9 to 10 days on an average. If the stay is reduced say by only one day using proper pre-operative investigation in OPDs, transfer in time, and investigation by the doctors on time, it will give India 96,000 more beds a day and if it is lowered by two beds that means an increase of 1,80,000 beds.  Right now there are 9 lakh beds in India and by just the quality care, 20 percent of beds can be increased. 

Q: And which State meets best standards in terms of patient care?

A: Well Kerala is having about 230 nursing colleges, Karnataka has 210 and in Maharashtra we have 50 such colleges. So these are the States which are doing well in maintaining the best patient care. But again if we look at all India level, we have only 17 percent of Doctors, 28 percent Nurses, Ayurvedic doctors are 17 percent, but skilled technicians in the higher areas doesn’t even make up to 1percent. These people have to be created for a better patient care. And you need colleges to produce them. Overall we are witnessing poor administration but again if we delve further our existing infrastructure can bear the load of 40percent more staff but then the infrastructure needs to be upgraded. And unequal distribution of the resources in the health sector has to be taken care of too. 

Q: And where does Kashmir stand in this ladder?

A: Kashmir is just above the middle rung. It has the appropriate environment available but proper training is missing. Infrastructure is not good in Kashmir but there is scope for improvement. Moving near the first five positions should be the aim. Though Karnataka and Maharashtra are in lead, people will prefer Kashmir if better facilities are provided to patients. Scenic beauty will do rest of the job. It is very poor as of now. There is a need of regulating and improving the private sector. There are prospective plans for areas in Singapore and USA. A particular area is marked and a limited number of medical institutes are constructed with all facilities. Then they regularly have to comply and report on certain parameters. If any setup is below normal, then all the privileges are withdrawn and they are not allowed to operate. Kashmir has the chance to come in the first five as it is a tiny state. Over all education is the key for such an attempt. 

Q: What would be average bed revenue and annual earnings?  

A: A 300 bed private hospital should earn around Rs 150 crore a year in any State within three years of its start. It must be, however, Joint Commission International (JCI) or National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare providers (NABH) accredited. It is possible. At cent percent capacity utilization it can grow to Rs 850 crores. Knee joint problems and back ache is common in Kashmir.  Knee joint replacement will cost around Rs 2.5 lakh in Delhi or Mumbai. If government negotiates with the concerned authorities and subsidy is provided for patients, this sector will boom here. Besides, doctors who want to specialize in a particular area should get a scholarship. Exchange of doctors should take place which will help in the overall improvement in the system.

Q: Which according to you are high revenue generating fields?

A: Joints are the most lucrative, next to that is heart, eyes and obstetrics and gynecology. My chairman will tell me why you are telling secrets. Single bed revenue in a secondary level hospital can be Rs 20-25 lakh a year. In a tertiary level hospital it is Rs 50-60 lakh a year. You can possibly concentrate on the patients who move outside the State and pay lakhs for treatment. Out of 60 lakh population of the Valley, you will manage to get several hundred patients. 

 Q: What is the investment needed for a tertiary or secondary level hospital?

A: The minimum viable hospital has 300 to 400 beds. See there are two ratios in which a hospital is divided. Manpower ratio and space ratio. Both are like 60:40. But revenue-wise it will be 60:40. Without land, Rs 100 crores are required for a tertiary level hospital and some Rs 40 to 50 crore for the secondary level hospital. The profitability is around 10-15 percent. I can tell you that an ICU bed can earn you around Rs 40 lakh a year while as a Ward bed can generate you Rs 4 lakh a year. It is a good revenue earning area.

Q: And employment potential?

A: For every patient you need to offer 4 – 4.5 employees. Again it may depend on what sort of ICU or wards you are offering. I feel that setting up of ICU’s is also lucrative. Kashmir has negligible quality ICU’s. In Kashmir, critical care is commercially very viable and even trauma centre has much greater requirements. But investment is very high.  

Areas like Cosmetic surgery, breast augmentation in a multi stage procedure is feasible for the State. Ophthalmic, Cosmetic surgery in bone and joints, fat removal and other areas are also very feasible to start in the State. But one needs to follow the short term and long term goals that are to be set for the change in the overall system. 

Q: Can government play any role in meeting these requirements? 

A: Government has a big role to play. See in the urban areas you have 10 beds against 1 bed in rural areas. Likewise the medical facility is available after every 16 kilometers while as it is only 1 km in cities. Government should offer incentives and encourage privatization in this area. 

Q: What is the status of Wockhardt Hospitals? And what is your USP?

A: Wockhardt started its hospital chain in 2001-2002 which I head presently. After two years in 2004-05 the group started hospitals in Bombay central, Goa, Nasik, Surat, Rajkot, five hospitals at Bangalore, two in Hyderabad and two at Nagpur. The group has almost 1500 beds with a yearly turn over of about Rs 300 to 400 crore. We have all specialties. In Mumbai, we have an advanced hospital in the group as it has pediatric, cardiac surgery facility available. We do liver, kidney heart transplants and since we are also Harvard associated hospitals we are evaluated by the Harvard people regularly. Every three months there are exchange programs to update ourselves and we are also planning to start intestine, pancreas and lung transplant soon. It will be best in Asia.

Q: What are your pricing policies? Are they uniform or differential?

A: We have different pricing policies which are governed by the local prices. Addition and subtraction standard depends on how strong we are in that area. We can be leader in some areas where we provide the best services and others follow, however, in some other areas where we lag we got to follow others. It is a geography-dependent thing. Again it is a choice of customers what they want. We have varying rates for international clients and local customers.

Q: What is the overall scope in this sector?

A: There is an immediate need of 100 to 200 big hospitals in India. State-wise it may go to again 100 and 200 beds. Health sector needs a combined effort from the private and public sector.  And the private and public partnership has to go on at various levels of training, evaluating, running to solve the health care problems. Government must declare incentive for the people who have the expertise. We have seen how Modi got the Nano project in Gujrat. He just satisfied the criteria and TATA had no other choice but to shift the plant to Gujrat. 

Q: How can Kashmir emerge as a preferred healthcare zone?

A: I feel special and deliberate attempts have to be taken by the government to make this State a medical tourist destination. Except borders, troopers should leave other areas. Government can always monitor the situation and when ever there is any problem they can intervene again. But troops should withdraw and the army should give a larger role to people. They should give peace a chance. The situation cannot be normal within. There will be small problems but they have to give space to the peace. 

If we talk about medical tourism you cannot compromise on the medical facility. It has to be the best. Then only the visitors can enjoy the environment of the place. Per se it is the medical thing and climate, hospitality, environment that play a role in that. And if all these sectors work in tandem, it will make a lethal combo. If anybody comes for bye pass surgery he or she should get the best of that and then there comes the environment. Kashmir is the best place for medical tourism and it can get 95 points out of hundred for its viability. Unfortunately it lacks the peace and effective communication with inside and outside world. 

Peace bus suffers slowdown

85% fall in passenger traffic as Karavane Aman completes 4 yrs

http://www.risingkashmir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11856&Itemid=55

The enthusiasm among the divided families living across the Line of Control for the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad Bus Service (Karvane Aman) which completes four years on Tuesday is dying and the participation has decreased enormously.

According to Passport Officer Srinagar, B S Manavalan, around 11000 passengers travelled to the other side in Karvane Aman since 7 April 2005. However, presently there is a complete lull in participation in comparison of the last years.

“These days there is a complete lull. The participation has gone down to 20 to 22 passengers per trip from 100 to 120 passengers. On an average at least 60 to 70 people travelled in the bus but now due to the known problems, the enthusiasm has gone down,” Manavalan told Rising Kashmir.

Interestingly, in a trip last month no passenger went from this side of LoC to Muzaffarabad although 24 passengers came from the other side.

The hyped Karvane Aman was started during the PDP-Congress coalition government in 2005 and was seen as one of the biggest Confidence Building Measures between India and Pakistan. However, it has failed to capture the minds of people for long.

Manavalan stressed there were not many clearances from the other Kashmir and also acknowledged the extremely low participation from this side.

“There are problems which have resulted in the low participation of the people but let us not discuss those. The fact is that participation is very low,” said Manavalan.

Muzaffarbad is 170 km north of Srinagar and the bus service, which now runs on weekly basis was flagged off by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on 7 April 2005.

No passport or visa is required for travel between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad. People having their relatives on the other side of LoC can travel without a passport after getting a permit from the authorities after verification of their identities.

Then foreign secretary of India Shyam Saran stressed that the arrangement was "without prejudice to the position of either side on Kashmir”.

The service runs on weekly basis on Saturdays while a similar service connecting Poonch-Rawalkote route runs on Mondays. The cross-LoC bus service from Chakan-da-Bagh in Poonch was started in 2006. Earlier, the services were fortnightly but now run on weekly basis.

Experts fear heroine abuse in Kashmir

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Heroine, one of the world’s costliest drugs, has entered Kashmir, medical experts said here Monday. 

Senior doctors participating in the World Health Organization training workshop for medical doctors at Government Medical College, Srinagar on substance used disorders at expressed concern over booming multiple drug usage in Kashmir and revealed that heroine also known as diamorphine (BAN) or diacetylmorphine (INN).

 

Head Social and Preventive Medicine, Dr Muneer Masoodi during his presentation said: “Heroine has started making inroads in Kashmir. We are getting such cases. One kg of diluted form of heroine is worth around Rs 1.5 crore and its single dose goes in thousands of rupees. A peddler gets around 10 per cent for smuggling a kg.”

“Children of the upper strata of the society are more prone to drug abuse due to availability of resources,” said Dr Masoodi.

Heroin abuse is associated with serious health conditions, spontaneous abortion and – particularly in users who inject the drug – infectious diseases, including HIV and hepatitis. 

Masoodi said political commitment was necessary to curb the menace of drug abuse and other related problems.

Sensing phenomenal rise in multiple drug abuse in Kashmir, WHO, in its maiden attempt sponsored a six-day workshop at GMC, Srinagar which started today. The workshop is aimed at sensitizing doctors about the drug abuse and its prevention.

Masoodi also informed that 3 cases of HIV were reported from a professional college of Srinagar and 2 cases from an elite private school.

Calling for “alcohol free highways”, doctors at the workshop deliberated upon increasing alcoholism in the Valley and said: “Road accidents are frequent in the State. The highways are more prone to accidents as liquor shops line up on the highway right from Batwara in Srinagar to Jammu.”

WHO has also provided GMC the ‘sticker number’ which recognizes the college in WHO and from now onwards any department can approach WHO for their help and cooperation.

Dr Masoodi referred to a study saying that young drug addicts in the Valley in the initial stages of addiction steal copper utensils from homes for purchasing drugs. 

“So police has also cautioned copper dealers to keep an eye on youngsters selling such items,” he said.

Doctors at the workshop also said that the drug usage had gone down after eruption of armed rebellion in the State but the situation had gone back to square one and was assuming epidemic standards since the decline in militancy.

The workshop was organized by Department of Psychiatry, GMC in collaboration with WHO.

Doctors representing every district of the Valley participated in the workshop. Experts from AIIMS are also expected to arrive in Srinagar and deliver lectures on the drug abuse and other related areas in the coming days.

Senior Consultant, Department of Psychiatry Dr Arshid Hussain compeered the workshop and said: “It is just a beginning. Every department of GMC can now avail the cooperation of WHO. We are recognized on the WHO map now.”

Kashmir needs drug de-addiction policy: Experts

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Kashmir valley needs to have a drug de-addiction policy to curb the menace of growing drug abuse, senior doctors at a workshop said here Saturday.

Senior doctors participating in a 6-day workshop on substance used disorders organized by World Health Organization for Government Medical College, Srinagar stressed that a complete drug de-addiction policy for the State was mandatory as drug abuse was spreading fast.

“We need a complete drug de-addiction policy for the state. Doctors can provide the technical input through department of psychiatry and later efforts can be formalized and put forth before the government for consideration,” the doctors recommended in the concluding session of the workshop.

The WHO’s 6-day workshop aimed at sensitizing doctors about the drug abuse and its prevention concluded today.

The doctors said that the lacunae in the system of drug distribution was a major problem area enhancing the drug abuse according to doctors and also demanded proper scheduling of the drugs to arrest the misuse of ‘prescription drug abuse’.

“A specific guideline detailing about the type of drug a particular doctor can prescribe is very necessary. It will also stop the random prescription its exploitation on a later stage,” said Dr Arshid a senior consultant in department of Psychiatry, who also coordinated the workshop.

The doctors said that the awareness programs regarding the drug abuse were necessary and the schools, colleges and other institutions needed to be made the centre of the awareness programs.

Government Medical College Srinagar is already running a school health education program and the State’s health department too is working in this regard.

However the participants said both the programs need to be properly revived and made active at the district level.

“Small de-addiction centers should come at the district level and the paramedical staff should be made aware in this regard to reach to the grassroots,” the doctors suggested. “The will of the policy makers and advisors is also necessary to make any program a success.”

A senior doctor said: “Cuba has the world’s best de-addiction centers in spite of being one of the worst economies in the world but the political will of the dictator there is proving beneficial for the health care system there.”

The participants also raised apprehensions over some of senior doctors who, they said, many a time mislead bureaucracy and policy makers during the meetings regarding the health scenario in the Valley.

“We have problems within our own fraternity. Some of us turn to be yes men and misinform the higher ups regarding the ground level situation,” said a senior doctor during the session.

The participants suggested that the recommendations made in the workshop be forwarded to Commissioner Secretary Health and followed later.

Earlier senior doctors in the workshop also disclosed the entry of the costliest drug - heroine into Kashmir valley. 

It also disclosed that AIDS had entered the elite school of Valley and a professional college.

‘Shun Wazwaan to save future generations’

25% Kashmir youth have abnormal blood glucose level: SKIMS study

http://www.risingkashmir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12489&Itemid=55

Twenty five per cent of Kashmir’s youth have abnormal blood glucose level resulting in heart attacks and other related lifestyle diseases, a study conducted by SKIMS has revealed.

Addressing a program on Awareness, Advocacy and Sensitization on Health (AASH) for general masses at the SKIMS auditorium, Director SKIMS, Prof Abdul Hamid Zargar Tuesday said: “Twenty five per cent of our youth in the age group of 20-40 years have abnormal blood glucose levels. It is the primary cause for the heart attacks only after 5 to 10 years,” Zargar said quoting a study carried out by SKIMS.

“Wazwaan is taking toll on the young generation of Kashmir,” said Zargar adding, “It has become a junk food and we need to attach the stigma with the Wazwaan to save our future generations.”

On the occasion, heart specialists of Valley dwelt upon the symptoms, risks and preventive measures to be taken against the killer diseases of hypertension, high blood pressure and other heart ailments.

Dr Shariq A Masoodi deliberated on the problem of hypertension and its risk factors and gave details on risk of ischemic heart disease due to current unhealthy day-to-day practices. “Only 12.5 per cent population with hypertension is actually benefited from medicines. In India there is only 9 per cent control on blood pressure,” said Dr. Masoodi. Dr. Abdul Majeed Ganai while talking about the nutrition to be taken suggested that a rainbow diet is preferred to stay healthy. “We should have all ingredients in our food rather than abundance in one area. The heart needs to be maintained,” said Dr Ganai adding, “Even the normal person should regularly check blood pressure and maintain a diary.”

Dean Medical Faculty, Dr Imtiyaz Ali highlighted need, purpose of the program and role of youth in creating awareness at the grass root level.

Principal Gandhi Memorial College, Prof. Rabia Firdous, who was the chief guest, appreciated the efforts and highlighted role of youth in responsive citizenship and stressed the students to act as the ambassadors of the society to disseminate the information among families and the society for keeping community free of such diseases.

 

Hand bills and pamphlets describing the two diseases, risk factors and preventive measures in Urdu and English were circulated among audience.

More than 300 participants from GMC Srinagar including teachers participated in the program.

AASH is extension of awareness programme launched by SKIMS for masses regarding the health related problems. The program was organized to create awareness about life style diseases of public health importance and sensitize the youth on healthy living.

Cardiac surgery in Kashmir 98.5% cheaper than US

Medical Tourism

http://www.risingkashmir.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12590&Itemid=55

 Senior cardiologists of Kashmir Saturday said the cardiac surgery in Kashmir costs 80 per cent less than Delhi, 95 per cent less than Europe and 98.5 per cent less than its cost in the United States and other American countries.

Talking to Rising Kashmir on the sidelines of a press conference here, Head of the Department, Cardio Vascular and Thorasic Surgery at SKIMS, Dr A G Ahangar said: “The open heart surgery at SKIMS costs Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh. The same surgery will cost 2.5 to 3 lakh in New Delhi, 10 lakh in Europe and 30 lakh in America.”

Ahangar claims that at SKIMS he had performed successful surgeries like ‘double valve replacement’ and ‘open heart surgery with minimal access’ exclusive with Kashmir throughout the world.

These surgeries are performed only in Kashmir. “I am the only person in the world who performs these surgeries,” said Dr Ahangar.

Earlier addressing a press conference, Ahangar said the 55th Annual Conference of Indian Association of Cardio Vascular and Thorasic Surgeons would be held at Srinagar from May 14 at SKICC on the banks of Dal Lake and foothills of Zabarwan mountain range.

According to Dr Ahangar, the conference would help in giving an impetus to medical tourism that would help the State and bring SKIMS on the medical map of the world.

“Our technological advancements are at par with AIIMS and PGI Chandigarh. In some areas, we are even better than the two and rest of the world. We just need proper projection and proper placement of facilities in the world health market,” Ahangar said.

Doctors said other areas that could be promoted for medical tourism in the State were Nuero Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Hematology, Rheumatology and other related areas in cardiology like angiography, angiopathy and other related areas.

Ahanger said that the conference would augment patient care in the Valley.

More than 150 papers regarding CVTS will be read during the conference.

SKIMS has already performed a record number of high risk open heart surgeries including beating heart, off-pump CABG and other operations.

Ahangar informed that the cardiac surgeons all over the world would attend the conference that will not only inspire young doctors but also change the destiny of the healthcare system of SKIMS.

Speakers and delegates from USA, England, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Pakistan, and Nepal are scheduled to attend the conference.

Veterans in the field of CVTS from India, Dr M S Valiathan, Dr K M Cherian and others are also expected to attend the conference and speak on the occasion.

A trade exhibition will also be held on the sidelines of the conference where different pharmaceutical stalls will be setup for the visiting doctors.

Dr Ahangar also sought cooperation from the tourism department, administration and law enforcing agencies.