Adolescents in Kashmir need access to health services that meet their unique needs and preferences. To meet this need, adolescent-friendly health clinics should be brought to the region. It takes an understanding of the local culture, the use of technology, and creative methods to ensure that these clinics are truly accessible to the youth of Kashmir. With the right initiatives and support, these clinics can provide adolescents with a safe space to seek guidance and help for physical and mental health issues. From providing health education and counseling services to offering preventative care, these clinics can have an immense impact on the health and well-being of the youths of Kashmir.
Health clinics are essential for the well-being of any community, but in the case of adolescents in Kashmir, these clinics have special significance. Adolescents in Kashmir often face unique challenges like substance abuse, drugs, mental illness stress, and anxiety due to surroundings and domestic problems, that require specialized care and attention. Unfortunately, health clinics in the region have not always kept up with the needs of this population. This guide seeks to provide guidance for establishing adolescent-friendly health clinics in Kashmir that will provide care and support to this critical demographic. By focusing on adolescents’ needs and providing adequate resources, these clinics can become a safe haven for youth and a source of hope in this troubled region. With the right steps in place, these clinics will be able to provide quality care and help empower the next generation of Kashmiris to reach their full potential.
Importance of AFHCs
The Adolescent Health and Youth Development (AHYD) program focuses on improving the health of young people, ages 10-19, and providing educational and skill-building workshops and programs that help them navigate safely through adolescence and into adulthood.
AFHCs are the rooms in health care centres with attractive designs, where health care workers listen to adolescent problems without being judgemental and provide essential grooming and care.
Due to the increase in drug cases it is necessary to start setting up AFHCs as it provides an equal approach to all adolescents who are in need of getting health benefits.

The author is a Public Health Expert and Researcher at GD Goenka University Gurugram. He can be mailed at [email protected]

Marij Zahoor Ganaie