Strides in healthcare
Healthcare remains the top parameters for any region to gauge its development and progress. Though, Jammu and Kashmir did not have much to boast about its improvement in healthcare services and infrastructure during the past, but the recent years have witnessed a tremendous growth and movement forward on this front.
The UT is quietly but decisively emerging as one of the better-performing regions in the country in maternal and child healthcare, with official data pointing to sustained improvements across critical health indicators.
From safer childbirths to healthier early childhood outcomes, the Union Territory’s focused health interventions are delivering tangible results on the ground.
Among the most notable achievements is the sharp decline in maternal deaths. The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in Jammu & Kashmir currently stands at 47 per 100,000 live births, significantly lower than the national average of 88.
This is quite an achievement as the other states and regions lag behind significantly on this critical issue. Women in Jammu and Kashmir are not known to be taking too much interest in physical activities. As such their health issues show a steep rise during pregnancies. In this scenario maintaining an MMR at 47 is a remarkable achievement.
Notably, Health officials attribute the progress in MMR to increased institutional deliveries, wider availability of Emergency Obstetric and New-born Care (EmONC) services, improved blood bank facilities and a strengthened referral transport system under the National Health Mission (NHM), particularly in remote and hilly areas.
Interestingly, the gains reported in women and childcare sector extend to new born and infant survival as well. The Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) in the Union Territory is 10, while early neonatal mortality stands at 6 — both far better than the national averages of 19 and 13 respectively. Similarly, the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has come down to 14, compared to the national figure of 25, while the under-five mortality rate stands at 15 against the countrywide average of 29.
Public health experts say these outcomes reflect better antenatal care, timely identification of high-risk pregnancies, strengthened delivery care and the expansion of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and special new born care units (SNCUs) across district hospitals.
Importantly, the immunisation has also emerged as another major success area. Jammu & Kashmir has achieved 96.5 per cent full immunisation coverage, placing it among the top-performing States and Union Territories in the country.
Official’s credit intensified routine immunisation drives, door-to-door outreach, digital tracking of beneficiaries and strict monitoring at district and block levels for plugging gaps in vaccine coverage.
In a significant step towards preventive healthcare, the Union Territory is also introducing the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) for girls aged 14–15 years. The initiative is expected to play a crucial role in reducing the future burden of cervical cancer and strengthening adolescent health services.
Taken together, these indicators underline Jammu & Kashmir’s sustained commitment to strengthening its public healthcare system. While challenges remain, particularly in geographically difficult regions, the consistent improvement in maternal and child health outcomes signals a positive shift — one that is steadily ensuring safer motherhood, healthier childhoods and a stronger foundation for the future.
