Jammu & Kashmir has emerged as a standout performer in India’s public health landscape, making significant progress in child health, gender equity, and healthcare infrastructure, according to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare’s Annual Report 2024–25. The Union Territory (UT) has not only met but surpassed several key health milestones, positioning itself as a model for other regions in the country.
One of the most notable achievements is J&K’s early attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target for Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR), years ahead of the 2030 deadline. The region’s U5MR now stands at 17 per 1,000 live births, a figure matched by the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) of 17 and a Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) of 12. These improvements reflect a robust maternal and child health system, bolstered by targeted interventions and enhanced healthcare delivery across the UT.
A key factor behind these outcomes has been the focused implementation of national health schemes such as the National Health Mission. The establishment of Special Newborn Care Units, District Early Intervention Centres, and Mother and Child Health Wings has strengthened care for mothers and infants. The expansion of telemedicine through eSanjeevani, the opening of Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, and widespread health screening programs have extended quality healthcare to even the most remote areas of Kashmir and Jammu.
Progress in gender equity is also evident. The sex ratio at birth in J&K has risen to 921 females per 1,000 males, up from 918 in the previous period, indicating a positive shift in both cultural attitudes and healthcare practices. This improvement, though modest, signals growing awareness and value for the girl child in society. The effective enforcement of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC&PNDT) Act, 1994, has played a vital role in this shift. As of June 2024, 841 diagnostic centers are registered in J&K, with only one court case ongoing and five machines seized or sealed, reflecting strong compliance and monitoring. The adoption of online platforms for clinic registration and record-keeping has further enhanced transparency and accountability.
Infrastructure development has been another pillar of J&K’s healthcare transformation. The under-construction AIIMS at Vijaypur (Jammu), with 750 beds and a 100-seat MBBS program, is set to become a major medical hub, complemented by the establishment of a new nursing college. These initiatives are expected to boost the pipeline of trained healthcare professionals and improve access to advanced medical care.
The digital health ecosystem in J&K is expanding rapidly, with the integration of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). Residents now benefit from unified, tech-enabled healthcare services, including digital outpatient registration, feedback systems like Mera Aspataal, and comprehensive mother and child tracking through the RCH Portal.
J&K’s progress is underscored by its leap in the SDG India Index, moving from the “performers” category to “front-runners,” with the health sector score rising from 70 to 78. Institutional births have increased from 85.6% to 92.4%, life expectancy at birth has climbed to 74.3 years—among the highest in India—and full immunization coverage for children has reached 96.5%.
These achievements are the result of sustained efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure, regulatory enforcement, and community outreach. Initiatives like the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign, decoy operations, informer incentive schemes, and the Ladli Beti Scheme have all contributed to a more positive environment for the girl child and better health outcomes for all.
As Jammu & Kashmir continues this upward trajectory, it stands as a compelling example of how a combination of smart infrastructure, digital innovation, and proactive policy can drive significant public health gains—ensuring that no region or community is left behind.
