Psychiatry In Conflict Zone — Challenges In Kashmir

Ovais Wadoo, Aadil Jan Shah

War damages the very fabric of society. This damage relates to its physical structure, its institutions, its social fabric, its environment, its communications and the normal routine of life. Indian-administered Kashmir has been no exception and the ongoing conflict has had its toll on Kashmiri population. The impact on the physical and mental health and socio-economic functioning of region’s 13 million people is alarming. The challenges faced by healthcare professionals as a result of scarce financial resources, grossly inadequate manpower and infrastructure are enormous. This article gives a brief overview of the psychosocial impact of conflict in Indian-administered Kashmir and the profile of the psychiatric services available in the region.

Key words: Conflict Zone, Psychiatric Services, Psychosocial Impact, Psychiatry Training

Leave a Reply