In the hills and remote villages of Jammu & Kashmir, life moves at a peaceful pace. Yet, beneath this calm lies a quiet worry: the widespread habit of self-medication. Many families, especially in upcountry areas, turn to pills and syrups from local shops without a doctor’s advice. Grandparents share old prescriptions, and young ones pop tablets for a quick fix. This practice feels convenient, but it hides real dangers that touch countless lives.
Self-medication may seem harmless at first—a headache cured with a painkiller or a cough soothed by syrup. But its harms run deep. Wrong medicines can mask serious symptoms, delaying the diagnosis of critical illnesses like tuberculosis, diabetes, or even cancer. In rural J&K, where clinics are far and winters harsh, this delay proves deadly. A simple fever might hide malaria or typhoid, yet people wait until the body gives up. Overuse of antibiotics breeds resistant germs, making common infections harder to treat. Side effects like liver damage or allergies add silent suffering. Studies from across India show thousands lose lives yearly to such mistakes—why let our valleys join that count?
The reliance stems from necessity, not neglect. Far-flung hamlets lack easy access to doctors, and long waits at Primary Health Centres discourage visits. Chemists, often the only health guides, sell drugs freely. This trust is understandable, but it fuels the problem. Late diagnosis means higher costs, prolonged pain, and lost loved ones.
It’s time for gentle change, not harsh bans. Banning self-medication outright may not work in remote areas—it could drive people underground. Instead, let us build bridges of awareness and support. Government campaigns via radio, village sabhas, and ASHA workers can teach: “See a doctor first, ask before you buy.” Train chemists to guide, not sell blindly. Mobile clinics and tele-medicine can bring care closer. Schools and mosques can spread simple messages: “One pill may hide a bigger ill.”
Imagine healthier villages where families seek advice early, catching illnesses in time. With more guidance, J&K’s people—resilient and wise—can embrace safe habits. Let us nurture this shift with care, for their well-being is our shared treasure.
