Major Expansion of Medical Relief Services Amid Healthcare Crisis

Kashmir Welfare Foundation has announced a significant expansion of its medical relief operations in response to severe healthcare shortages affecting over 6 million people in Azad Kashmir. The organisation revealed plans to double its capacity in 2025, following the successful treatment of 4,000 patients in 2024 through its Medical Camps projects.

Recent data shows that 6 million residents live more than an hour away from suitable medical facilities, with 1 million people facing journey times exceeding 4 hours. The region currently maintains a concerning ratio of one doctor per 4,916 residents, while the infant mortality rate stands at 58 per 1,000 births.

“The healthcare situation in remote areas of Azad Kashmir has reached critical levels,” said Kashmir Welfare Foundation’s trustee Abdul Basit. “Our medical camps are often the only healthcare access point for thousands of families who would otherwise go without essential treatment.”

The organisation’s current mobile medical camps operate with a team of two doctors, four nurses, and dedicated volunteers, providing comprehensive healthcare services including treatments for malaria, diabetes, infections, and various life-threatening conditions. A notable addition is the inclusion of female doctors to address cultural barriers that previously prevented women from seeking medical care.

Kashmir Welfare Foundation has announced plans to introduce a Mobile Hospital Unit equipped with ultrasound and X-ray capabilities, representing a significant advancement in diagnostic capabilities for remote areas. This development comes in response to the challenging terrain and weather conditions that leave many areas inaccessible for up to six months due to heavy snowfall.

Success stories from the organisation’s efforts include seven-year-old Hakim Abdullah, who returned to school after receiving treatment for a debilitating skin condition. Kashmir Welfare Foundation’s comprehensive care extended to providing transportation and covering treatment costs at a specialist hospital four hours away.

“The impact of accessible healthcare goes beyond medical treatment,” stated Mauzam Ali, a volunteer doctor working with Kashmir Welfare Foundation. “We’re witnessing transformed lives, with children returning to school and adults regaining their ability to work and support their families.”

The expansion will prioritise the Neelum Valley and Jhelum Valley (Leepa Valley) regions, identified as areas with the most critical healthcare infrastructure needs. To ensure sustainable healthcare delivery, Kashmir Welfare Foundation is implementing an innovative volunteer network system, establishing local connections to better understand and respond to community health needs.

We maintain a 100% donation policy, with operational costs covered through business sponsorships and gift aid. This ensures that all public donations directly fund medical services and treatments.

Key Achievements and Statistics:

• 4,000 patients treated in 2024
• Comprehensive medical team including specialists and female doctors
• Full coverage of treatment and transportation costs for referred cases
• Successful treatment of conditions ranging from chronic diseases to acute infections
• Development of local volunteer networks for sustainable healthcare delivery

About Kashmir Welfare Foundation:

Kashmir Welfare Foundation is a leading humanitarian organisation dedicated to providing essential medical services to underserved communities in Azad Kashmir. Through mobile medical camps and innovative healthcare solutions, Kashmir Welfare Foundation works to eliminate barriers to healthcare access in remote regions.

Media Contact:

For more information, contact Baz Jabbar on 020 3900 3790. 

Kashmir Welfare Foundation (UK Registered charity – 1206824)
Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir
press@kashmirwelfare.org.uk

Website: www.kashmirwelfare.org.uk

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