In a significant boost to healthcare in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), approximately 11,000 doctors and paramedics have been recruited under the National Health Mission (NHM) over the past five years, while the Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department has filled over 36,000 regular positions. This expansion reflects the region’s commitment to aligning its healthcare sector with international standards, as highlighted in the 2024 Economic Survey Report. The government has prioritized maternal and child health, disease prevention, and addressing future health challenges. Despite setbacks such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed infrastructure weaknesses, the administration has responded by increasing investments in healthcare and leveraging digital platforms to extend services.
Key developments in J&K’s healthcare sector include the hiring of 10,919 doctors and paramedical staff under NHM and the appointment of 365 medical officers in 2024 for remote areas. Additionally, support from 13,965 Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) has strengthened community health initiatives. Infrastructure improvements have been notable, with bed capacity increasing to approximately 21,966 and medical oxygen generation capacity expanding from 14,916 LPM to an impressive 127,901 LPM through the establishment of 177 Oxygen Generation Plants. The region has also made strides in medical education by increasing MBBS and PG seats and introducing Diplomate of National Board (DNB) programs in new Government Medical Colleges.
Healthcare initiatives have been further bolstered by the implementation of Health and Wellness Centres, Jan Aushadhi Kendras, and Amrit Stores, alongside digital health initiatives like tele-radiology and Tele Manas. The extension of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) to an additional 19.02 lakh families demonstrates a commitment to universal health coverage. This initiative has been recognized for its best practices in implementing ABPMJAY SEHAT, providing approximately 15 lakh treatments and saving around Rs 2800 crore in inpatient expenses.
Mental health services have also seen significant advancements with the launch of Tele Manas in 2022, which offers 24/7 tele-mental health counseling. A Tele Manas UT-level cell and a mentoring institute have been established at IMHANS, Psychiatric Diseases Hospital, GMC Srinagar. Furthermore, ambulance services have been enhanced with the deployment of 489 geo-tagged ambulances, including Advanced Life Support units, integrated with online ambulatory services that ensure an average response time of less than 30 minutes.
In terms of tuberculosis elimination efforts, J&K received recognition at the ONE WORLD TB SUMMIT 2023 for achieving over a 20% reduction in TB incidence since 2015. Several districts have achieved significant reductions in TB cases, with some being declared TB-free. Digital health initiatives are transforming healthcare accessibility; E-Sanjeevani facilitates telemedicine consultations across various specialties, crucial for remote areas. The Drug and Vaccine Distribution Management System (DVDMS) is managing online drug distribution efficiently while the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is digitizing health records for improved service delivery.
Looking ahead, J&K’s Health Department aims to achieve Universal Health Coverage by 2030 through a strategic roadmap that includes strengthening primary healthcare systems, improving medical education, and exploring public-private partnerships. These comprehensive initiatives demonstrate J&K’s commitment to enhancing its healthcare infrastructure and services, paving the way for a healthier future for its population.
