On the occasion of World Health Day 2026, when the importance of health, scientific awareness and timely medical intervention is being highlighted across the world, the increasing cases of lung diseases in Jammu and Kashmir are emerging as a worrying reality. According to the available data, 50551 cases were reported in Kashmir from 2018 to 2024, which has become a major challenge for the public health system in the region.
The data shows that the number of lung diseases in Kashmir is increasing year by year, while 22130 cases were registered in Government Medical College Jammu from 2015 to 2025. Among these, lung diseases were the most common, with 3272 cases reported. This was followed by breast diseases and oral diseases.
According to expert doctors, smoking, exposure to second-hand smoke, air pollution, household smoke and occupational hazards are among the major causes of lung diseases. It is a matter of concern that in Jammu and Kashmir, most patients reach the hospital in the late stages of the disease, due to which the treatment becomes complicated, expensive and less effective.
The main message of World Health Day 2026 is that timely diagnosis, scientific awareness and public participation are indispensable to combat diseases. Experts say that if early screening, diagnostic facilities in rural areas, health awareness and timely medical access are strengthened, the burden of cases can be reduced to a considerable extent.
Doctors have also emphasized that measures such as avoiding tobacco and alcohol, a balanced diet, regular exercise, pollution prevention and HPV and Hepatitis B vaccination can play an important role in preventing cases. According to them, the most effective weapon against the disease is not just treatment, but caution and awareness.
Experts have called on the government to further strengthen the facilities of hospitals, specialist doctors, affordable treatment facilities, screening programmes and awareness campaigns, especially in rural and backward areas, where access to diagnosis and treatment is still limited.
The rising case figures in Jammu and Kashmir on the occasion of World Health Day 2026 are a reminder of the fact that health is not just a matter of hospitals, but also a requirement of policy, awareness, precaution and collective responsibility.
Cancer hospital to be established in Kashmir soon
Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board Chairperson Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi has announced that a cancer hospital will soon be set up in Kashmir to provide better and timely medical facilities to the increasing number of cancer patients in the region.
She said that the proposed project at Eidgah Srinagar was delayed due to political interference, which damaged an important public welfare project.
