Srinagar, December 3 (KNS): From safer childbirths to healthier childhoods, Jammu and Kashmir is quietly scripting a healthcare success story. Sustained reforms and focused interventions are now reflecting in tangible improvements across key maternal, infant and child health indicators in the Union Territory.

Jammu and Kashmir has emerged as one of the better-performing regions in the country in maternal health. The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in the UT currently stands at 47 per 100,000 live births significantly lower than the national average of 88. This improvement has been driven by enhanced institutional delivery care, expanded availability of Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) and blood services, and a strengthened referral transport system under the National Health Mission (NHM).

The progress is equally evident in infant and neonatal health outcomes. The Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) in J&K is 10, while the early neonatal mortality rate stands at 6—both markedly better than the national averages of 19 and 13, respectively.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThe Under-5 Mortality Rate in the Union Territory is 15, compared to the national average of 29, while the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) is 14, against the countrywide figure of 25.

Jammu and Kashmir has also posted impressive results in immunization coverage. Full immunization has reached 96.5 per cent, placing the UT among the highest-performing regions in India. Officials attribute this achievement to intensified routine immunization drives and robust monitoring mechanisms.

Adding another milestone to its preventive healthcare framework, the Union Territory is set to introduce the HPV vaccine under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) for girls aged 14–15 years.

Together, these achievements underscore Jammu and Kashmir’s sustained commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and firmly position the Union Territory among the better-performing States and UTs in the country.(KNS)