J&K Records Sharp Drop in Maternal, Child Mortality; Ranks Among Top Health Performers Across Country

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir has recorded notable improvements in maternal, infant and child healthcare outcomes, with sustained health sector reforms translating into measurable gains across key indicators, placing the Union Territory among the better-performing regions in the country, as per official health data.

From safer institutional deliveries to improved child survival rates, the Union Territory’s healthcare system has shown steady progress, with targeted interventions yielding tangible results in maternal and child health indicators, official data indicates.

According to official health data, the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in Jammu and Kashmir stands at 47 per 100,000 live births, significantly lower than the national average of 88. Officials attribute the improvement to strengthened institutional delivery services, expanded Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) facilities, improved blood transfusion services and more efficient referral transport systems under the National Health Mission (NHM).

The Union Territory has also made substantial gains in infant and neonatal health. Official figures show that the Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) is 10, while the early neonatal mortality rate stands at 6—both well below the national averages of 19 and 13, respectively.

Similarly, as per official health data, the Under-5 Mortality Rate in Jammu and Kashmir has declined to 15 compared to the national average of 29, while the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is reported at 14 against the national figure of 25.

Jammu and Kashmir has also achieved high immunization coverage, with full immunization reaching 96.5 per cent, according to official records, placing the Union Territory among the top performers nationwide.

Officials have attributed these outcomes to intensified routine immunization drives and robust monitoring mechanisms.

Further strengthening its preventive healthcare framework, the Union Territory is set to introduce the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) for girls aged 14 to 15 years.

These milestones underscore Jammu and Kashmir’s continued focus on strengthening healthcare delivery and improving health outcomes, positioning the Union Territory among the leading States and Union Territories in maternal and child healthcare performance.