Srinagar, Feb 05 (KNO): Jammu & Kashmir has witnessed a transformative shift in its healthcare sector over the past few years, with sustained public investment, large-scale infrastructure development and digital innovations significantly improving access, quality and health outcomes across the Union Territory.
Healthcare, recognised as a cornerstone of social and economic development, has been prioritised by the Government of J&K through comprehensive reforms aimed at strengthening preventive care, maternal and child health services, medical education and emergency response systems.
These initiatives are aligned with national and global standards and support the region’s steady progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
As per the economic survey report accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the recent data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) and the Sample Registration System (SRS) highlight major gains in public health across J&K when compared to NFHS-4 (2015–16).
The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has declined sharply from 32.4 to 16.3, with SRS 2022 placing it further down at 14. Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) dropped from 23.10 to 9.80, reflecting significant advances in newborn care.
Institutional births rose from 85.6 per cent to 92.4 per cent under NFHS-5, and according to HMIS data, have now reached nearly 100 per cent. Fully immunised children increased from 84.4 per cent to 96.5 per cent, with HMIS again reporting near-universal coverage.
Life expectancy at birth has also improved notably — from 70 years to 74.3 years — marking an increase of over four years in average longevity.
These gains underline the impact of strengthened primary healthcare, expanded outreach services and improved hospital infrastructure across urban and rural areas.
To overhaul the healthcare ecosystem, the government has launched several landmark projects. These include the establishment of two AIIMS, two State Cancer Institutes, two Bone and Joint Hospitals, and ten new Government Medical Colleges — covering MBBS, Unani, Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic education.
More than 3,168 Health and Wellness Centres have been made operational, significantly expanding primary care services. Modern drug testing laboratories, including a state-of-the-art facility at Kathua, have strengthened quality control of medicines.
The bed capacity across hospitals has increased to 22,454, improving patient care and emergency readiness.
For 2025–26, the Health Sector has been allocated ₹8,813.71 crore — an increase of ₹480 crore over the previous year. This accounts for 7.85 per cent of the UT’s total budget and 3.36 per cent of its projected GSDP, surpassing the National Health Policy target of 2.5 per cent public health spending.
The sustained financial commitment reflects the government’s focus on building a resilient and inclusive healthcare system.
The healthcare workforce has expanded significantly, with over 10,771 doctors and paramedical staff recruited under the National Health Mission and nearly 33,000 regular posts filled in the Health and Medical Education Department.
Additionally, 132 faculty members have been appointed in Government Medical Colleges through JKPSC, while over 80 professionals have been engaged on academic arrangements. In 2025 alone, 103 new medical officers were deployed to peripheral and underserved areas.
The sanctioning of 392 DNB seats, along with expanded MBBS, PG, nursing and paramedical seats, has further strengthened the talent pipeline.
J&K has emerged as a national leader in implementing the Ayushman Bharat–PMJAY and PMJAY-SEHAT schemes, achieving near-universal health coverage. Around 87.64 lakh golden cards have been issued so far.
The schemes have facilitated nearly 18.87 lakh treatments, saving residents approximately ₹3,435 crore in out-of-pocket medical expenses — a major step toward financial protection in healthcare.
The UT now operates a fleet of 489 geo-tagged ambulances integrated with 108/102 emergency services, including 139 Advanced Life Support units. These services maintain an average response time of under 30 minutes and have assisted over 5.26 lakh beneficiaries since 2020.
J&K has also made strong progress in tuberculosis control. At the One World TB Summit 2023, the UT received a Bronze Medal for reducing TB incidence by over 20 per cent since 2015. Several districts, including Pulwama, Budgam and Anantnag, have achieved TB-free status.
Technology is playing a central role in improving healthcare access. Through the E-Sanjeevani platform, over 12 lakh telemedicine consultations have already been conducted, connecting remote populations with specialists.
Digital systems such as DVDMS streamline medicine and vaccine distribution, while the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) has rapidly digitised health services.
The SEHAT App has further unified healthcare services under one digital platform, registering over 15 lakh users.
During 2025–26, 140 healthcare development projects were completed to enhance patient services. More than ₹1,183 crore — around 53 per cent of allocated capital funds — has already been utilised by December 2025.
Looking ahead, Jammu & Kashmir aims to achieve full Universal Health Coverage by 2030. The roadmap prioritises stronger primary healthcare, disease elimination strategies, medical education reform and public-private partnerships, all supported by digital innovation—(KNO)