Written By: Satata Karmakar | Updated : May 9, 2025 11:20 AM IST
India-Pakistan War Impact: How A Military Conflicts Could Trigger Major Health Emergency And Collapse Healthcare Systems
India Pakistan War: As tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) escalate, there is a rising fear that India and Pakistan may get into a war soon. With "Operation Sindoor" and subsequent retaliatory actions by Pakistan, concerns are mounting over the potential collapse of healthcare systems in both nations. The conflict, which has already resulted in significant civilian casualties and infrastructure damage, poses a severe threat to public health and medical services.
The attacks and incidents of shelling along the border have fanned fears of a wider conflict erupting between the nuclear-armed states. So, what may happen to the country's healthcare system if there is a war in the country? Will the healthcare system collapse? What can we expect to happen in the upcoming days? This article will help you clear all the tension that is mounting in your mind right now and know the real facts.
The recent hostilities were ignited by a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which took place in a cold-blooded manner on April 22, 2025. Indian-administered Kashmir was attacked by a group of terrorists who brutally killed 26 innocent people. In response to the burtal attack on the tourists at Pahagam, India launched "Operation Sindoor" on May 7, targeting the 9 terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) - those who were involved in planning the horrific killing of 26 innocent lives in Pahalgam. Operation Sindoor involved precision airstrikes using advanced military technology where all the three Indian Armed Forces - Navy, Army And Airforce destroyed all the targets with no casualties for India.
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However, hours later, Pakistan retaliated by ceasefire along the Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir, leading to severe casualties and damage.
The rising military tensions along the LoC have placed immense pressure on healthcare systems in both countries. According to the reports, Pakistan who was already facing severe issues with healthcare facilities, are left dealing with an emergency crisis - they are facing an acute shortage of life-saving medicines after India banned trade between the two countries. In Pakistan's Punjab province, the government has reportedly declared a health emergency across all the hospitals and has allocated 50% of beds to handle any potential war casualties.
Similarly, India has also been put on high alert to deal with war casualties and any other issues that may arise due to the ongoing military retaliations along the LoC.
What type of health emergency does a war trigger? Military actions can cause visible destruction of infrastructure, including hospitals and clinics, especially those in the LoC or nearby villages. This, coupled with disruptions in supply chains, can possibly hinder the delivery of essential medical services. Apart from this the blackouts can also trigger mental health issues in common people. However, the good news is that India is well-prepared to take care of any such situation that may arise due to a war between India and Pakistan.
Experts have stated that there is no need to panic, and everyone should only check the authentic facts to stay updated about the current situation. While the health infrastructure is expected to face some issues due to the escalating issues between India and Pakistan. One trouble that experts have pointed out as the biggest threat when it comes to health is - the mental strain that a war can cause.
Speaking to TheHeathSite.com Dr Nisha Chaturvedi, mental health expert, said, "The war can have severe psychological imapct on the people staying near the war zones. Continuous exposure to blasts noises, sirens, and blackouts can contribute to widespread mental health issues".
She further added, "The stigma surrounding mental health in both countries often prevents individuals from seeking help, leading to untreated conditions that can have long-term consequences. The lack of mental health professionals and resources further hampers the ability to address this growing crisis."
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