Srinagar, Jul 15 (KNO): As the Jammu and Kashmir government aggressively promotes the JK Sehat App to digitise healthcare services, a wave of concern is sweeping through sections of the public in the valley. With thousands of citizens now downloading the app to access medical services online, many fear this digital shift may lead to the eventual closure of traditional hospital ticket counters.
Locals, especially those from rural and economically weaker sections, are expressing apprehension over how they will access healthcare if the system goes entirely online.
“We’ve heard that everything will soon be online, and even hospital tickets may have to be booked through the app,” Ghulam Ahmad, a patient from Anantnag, told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO). “I don’t have a smartphone, and neither do many people in our village. If they shut the counters, how will we get treatment?”
The anxiety is especially high among senior citizens and digitally illiterate individuals. “My parents are both senior citizens. They don’t even know how to use a basic mobile phone, let alone download an app and book tickets online,” said Ishfaq Wani, a resident of Baramulla. “Healthcare access should be inclusive, not digital-only.”
Several residents also raised concerns about poor mobile network connectivity and a lack of awareness in remote areas. “In our area, we sometimes go days without proper internet,” said a resident from Shopian. “How will we access digital services under such conditions?”
Director Health Services Kashmir (DHSK), Dr Jahangir Bakshi, speaking to KNO, said: “There is no plan to close down hospital ticket counters. These facilities will remain operational alongside the JK Sehat App. We are moving towards digital inclusion, not exclusion. The idea is to provide multiple modes of service so no one is left behind.”
He emphasised that the JK Sehat App is meant to offer convenience—such as booking appointments and viewing medical records—but it is not a replacement for physical healthcare access points.
Notably, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah launched the 'e-SeHAT' mobile application in April this year with an aim to improve access to healthcare services across the Union Territory. The app aims to alleviate the burden on polyclinics, streamline patient engagement, and enhance the healthcare experience for users.
The goal of this app is to revolutionise healthcare access and elevate the overall healthcare experience for all beneficiaries. Features include tele-diagnosis, teleconsultation, emergency care access, and information on doctor availability and hospital services. Users book appointments, access diagnostic and surgical service details, and obtain emergency support.
The app also includes tools for disease prevention, an AI-powered symptom checker, health tracking, medication reminders, and multilingual support. It is compatible with wearable devices for real-time health monitoring.
For medical students, the app offers details on academic programs, hostel accommodations, library access, and exchange opportunities. It also supports continuous learning through CPR, Basic Life Support (BLS) training, and workshops—(KNO)