Jammu Kashmir Emerges Among Top Performers in Maternal and Child Health | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has recorded significant improvements in maternal, infant and child health indicators, with sustained healthcare reforms delivering measurable gains across the Union Territory, officials said.

The Union Territory’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has declined to 47 per 100,000 live births, well below the national average of 88, placing JK among the better-performing regions in the country. Officials attributed the improvement to higher institutional delivery rates, expanded Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care services, improved access to blood facilities and strengthened referral transport systems under the National Health Mission.

Jammu and Kashmir has also reported strong outcomes in infant and neonatal health. The Neonatal Mortality Rate stands at 10, while the early neonatal mortality rate is 6, both markedly lower than the national averages of 19 and 13, respectively. The Under-5 Mortality Rate in the Union Territory is 15, compared to the national figure of 29, while the Infant Mortality Rate is 14 against the national average of 25.

Immunisation coverage in JK has reached 96.5 per cent, placing it among the top-performing regions nationwide. Officials said the achievement was driven by intensified routine immunisation programmes and robust monitoring systems.

In a further boost to preventive healthcare, the Union Territory is set to introduce the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine under the Universal Immunisation Programme for girls aged 14 to 15 years.

Officials said the improvements underscore Jammu and Kashmir’s continued focus on strengthening healthcare delivery and reinforce its position among the better-performing States and Union Territories in the country.