Shabir Ahmad
Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as one of India’s better performing regions in maternal and child health, with key mortality indicators now significantly better than the national averages. This progress reflects the sustained priority accorded to the well being of mothers and children through strengthened healthcare delivery, targeted interventions, and the dedicated efforts of the medical workforce.
Recent data underscore this transformation. The Union Territory’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) stands at 47 per 100,000 live births, substantially lower than the national average of 88. The Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) is 10 compared to the national average of 19, while early neonatal mortality has fallen to 6 against the national figure of 13. The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has declined to 14 compared with the national average of 25, and the Under 5 Mortality Rate stands at 15, well below the national average.
These outcomes build on earlier gains captured in NFHS 5 (2019 to 2021), which recorded a sharp drop in J&K’s IMR from 32.4 to 16.3 per 1,000 live births and Under 5 mortality from 37.6 to 18.5. J&K has also achieved several Sustainable Development Goal targets ahead of the 2030 timeline, including those for under 5 and neonatal mortality.
Health Minister Sakeena Itoo recently affirmed the strong performance, saying, “Jammu and Kashmir is performing better than many states of the country on key health indicators.” She attributed the improved indicators to “the dedication of doctors and paramedical staff and the sustained efforts of the healthcare system.” On National Doctors’ Day, she particularly lauded the Children Hospital, Bemina, describing it as “one of the best hospitals in the country,” where children receive excellent treatment with very few referrals.
What is Driving the Progress?
Health officials credit a combination of systemic strengthening and focused programmes. Institutional delivery rates in J&K reached 92.4 percent as per NFHS 5, a 6.9 percentage point rise from the previous survey, enabling timely access to skilled birth attendance and emergency care. Wider availability of Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) services, improved blood banking, and a robust referral transport network under the National Health Mission (NHM) have been pivotal in reducing delays that previously contributed to maternal and neonatal deaths.
High risk pregnancy tracking, especially in remote and hilly terrains, along with improved antenatal and postnatal care, has further enhanced outcomes. Full immunisation coverage now stands at an impressive 96.5 percent, placing J&K among the top performers nationally. This has been achieved through intensified routine immunisation drives, door to door outreach, and strong monitoring mechanisms. The recent introduction of the HPV vaccine under the Universal Immunisation Programme for girls aged 14 to 15 years marks another preventive step to safeguard long term health.
Flagship Schemes Powering Safer Motherhood and Healthier Childhoods
Central schemes implemented with vigour in J&K have played a decisive role.
Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) provides conditional cash assistance to encourage institutional deliveries, particularly among marginalised groups.
Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) entitles all pregnant women delivering in public health institutions to completely free and cashless services, including normal or caesarean deliveries, free medicines, diagnostics, diet, and transport for both the mother and the sick newborn.
Mission Indradhanush and its intensified phases have driven immunisation coverage.
POSHAN Abhiyaan and POSHAN 2.0 address nutrition for mothers and children by tackling anaemia, stunting, and low birth weight.
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) offers maternity benefits to support nutrition and rest during pregnancy and after delivery.
These interventions, combined with NHM support for infrastructure, human resources, and referral systems, have created a safety net that has demonstrably saved lives.
A Commitment to Equitable and Quality Care
The gains are particularly noteworthy given J&K’s challenging geography, including remote villages, hilly terrain, and harsh winters. Sustained focus on outreach, mobile medical units, and strengthened peripheral facilities has helped bridge access gaps. The ongoing development of tertiary care institutions, including the AIIMS project at Awantipora, with significant central funding released and momentum under the current administration, will further bolster the region’s ability to handle complicated maternal and paediatric cases.
Health Minister Itoo has emphasised that behind every improved indicator are the tireless efforts of doctors and paramedical staff who “save people’s lives” and deserve recognition for their sacrifices.
The Road Ahead
While the progress is heartening, authorities remain focused on consolidating these gains, ensuring quality care, and reaching the last mile. Continued investment in training, digital health tools for tracking, nutrition security, and adolescent health, including the new HPV vaccination drive, will be key. The overarching goal remains zero preventable maternal and child deaths and the realisation of the highest standards of care for every mother and child in Jammu and Kashmir.
These improvements in maternal and child health are not just numbers. They represent healthier families, empowered women, and a stronger foundation for the Union Territory’s human capital and long term development. As J&K continues to prioritise this critical sector, the trajectory points towards even safer beginnings and more hopeful futures for its youngest citizens.
