Srinagar, Jan 3 (JKNS): Jammu and Kashmir has recorded significant improvement in maternal, infant and child health indicators, emerging as one of the better-performing regions in the country, with sustained healthcare reforms delivering measurable outcomes across the Union Territory.
Official data shared by NHM as per news agency JKNS, the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in J&K stands at 47 per 100,000 live births, substantially lower than the national average of 88.
Health officials attribute this progress to improved institutional deliveries, expanded Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) services, strengthened blood banks and an efficient referral transport system under the National Health Mission (NHM).
The Union Territory has also shown commendable performance in infant and neonatal health indicators. The Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) is recorded at 10, while the Early Neonatal Mortality Rate (ENMR) stands at 6 both significantly lower than the national averages of 19 and 13, respectively.
Similarly, the Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) in J&K is 15 compared to the national average of 29, while the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) stands at 14 against the national figure of 25, as per Sample Registration System (SRS) 2023 data.
Jammu and Kashmir has also achieved impressive outcomes in immunisation, with full immunisation coverage reaching 96.5 per cent, placing the UT among the top-performing regions in the country. Officials said this success is the result of intensified routine immunisation drives and robust monitoring mechanisms.
In a major boost to preventive healthcare, the Union Territory is set to introduce the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) for girls aged 14–15 years.
Health authorities described the progress as a strong testament to focused maternal and child health (MCH) interventions being implemented under the guidance of Mission Director, NHM J&K, Baseer-ul-Haq, IAS.
These achievements underscore Jammu and Kashmir’s sustained commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and improving public health outcomes, positioning the UT among the leading States and Union Territories in maternal and child healthcare performance. (JKNS)
