J&K records significant gains in maternal, child healthcare

Srinagar, Jan 03: From safer childbirths to healthier childhoods, Jammu & Kashmir is scripting a quiet healthcare success story, with sustained reforms translating into measurable improvements in maternal, infant and child health indicators across the Union Territory.

Jammu & Kashmir is witnessing tangible progress in maternal and child health, positioning J&K among the better-performing regions in the country. For instance, the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in the Union Territory stands at 47 per 100,000 live births, substantially lower than the national average of 88. This achievement is attributed to improved institutional delivery care, wider availability of Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) and blood services, along with strengthened referral transport systems under the National Health Mission (NHM).

Jammu & Kashmir has also performed commendably in infant and neonatal health indicators. The Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) is 10 while the early NMR stands at 6, both significantly better than the national averages of 19 and 13, respectively. The Under-5 Mortality Rate in the UT is 15, compared to the national average of 29 while the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is 14, against the national average of 25.

The Union Territory has further achieved impressive immunization outcomes with full immunization coverage reaching 96.5 per cent, placing J&K among the highest-performing regions in the country. This progress is attributed to intensified routine immunization drives and robust monitoring mechanisms.

In another significant step, Jammu & Kashmir is introducing the HPV vaccine under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) for girls aged 14–15 years, reinforcing its preventive healthcare framework.

These achievements reflect the Union Territory’s sustained commitment towards strengthening the healthcare delivery and position Jammu & Kashmir among the better-performing States and Union Territories in the country.