SEERAT-UN-NISA
BANDIPORA, Nov 24: As harsh winter conditions tighten their grip on the remote Gurez Valley of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, expectant mothers are compelled to migrate to Bandipora town or Srinagar due to the absence of a permanent gynecologist at Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Gurez. The recurring crisis leaves pregnant women with no option but to undertake long and risky journeys to ensure safe deliveries.
Every year, heavy snowfall disconnects Gurez from the outside world for nearly three months, often leading to delayed medical treatment, medical emergencies, and in some cases, preventable deaths. Residents say the absence of specialised maternal healthcare is pushing vulnerable families into distress, especially during the winter blockade when road access through the treacherous Razdan Pass becomes impossible.
Local residents, while speaking to Kashmir Despatch, expressed frustration over what they term temporary and inadequate arrangements by the health authorities.
“We have been provided one gynecologist on rotation for just 15 days, whose main posting is in Kupwara. It takes him two days to travel to Gurez and settle, and by the time he adjusts, he is preparing to leave. This is not a solution,” said a local resident.
He added that several infants have died during winter evacuations due to the absence of specialist medical care in Gurez. “We have lost babies on the Razdan Pass. Our people are poor and helpless. We need a permanent solution because once snow arrives, we are completely trapped inside our homes.”
Another local woman said the crisis affects not only expectant mothers but entire families who are forced to migrate despite financial difficulties.
“It’s a choice between risking our lives or leaving our homes. Most pregnant women are moving to Bandipora and Srinagar, but not everyone can afford relocation,” she said.
Residents have appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister-designate Omar Abdullah to intervene and ensure a permanent gynecologist is posted at SDH Gurez to prevent further suffering.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, said the district administration has initiated steps to ensure a permanent gynecologist is stationed in Gurez during the winter.
She confirmed that expectant mothers with upcoming due dates have already moved to safer locations.
“Those who cannot travel have stayed back as they do not want to leave their families and homes,” she said, assuring that the administration is prepared for emergencies. “If the roads remain closed, helicopter evacuation services will be activated immediately for medical emergencies.”
The DC acknowledged that the current gynecological support is temporary and said she has taken up the matter with the Director of Health Services to ensure permanent deployment in the coming weeks.
Chib added that the administration has stocked essential supplies including food grains, fuel, and medical resources sufficient to last until April next year, with remaining items scheduled for delivery before December.
Residents, however, insist that unless a full-time gynecologist is stationed in Gurez, the winter migration of expectant mothers will continue to be a tragic annual routine.
