99.7% institutional deliveries. 100% immunisation coverage. Single-digit neonatal mortality. J&K is not just improving—it is outperforming the national average.
Niharika Khurana
In a country where maternal and child health outcomes often mirror deep socio-economic inequalities, Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) is emerging as a surprising outlier. Data from the Economic Survey 2025–26 and national health datasets reveal that the Union Territory is not just improving – but outperforming the national average on key indicators such as Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR), and Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR).
According to the Economic Survey 2025–26, J&K’s Infant Mortality Rate has declined sharply to 14 per 1,000 live births, placing it significantly below India’s average (around 27). Similarly, the Neonatal Mortality Rate has reached 9.8, entering single-digit territory – an important Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) milestone achieved ahead of time.
| Indicator | J&K | India (Approx.) |
| IMR (Infant Mortality Rate) | 14 | 27 |
| MMR (Maternal Mortality Ratio) | 47 | ~97 |
| U5MR (Under-5 Mortality Rate) | 15 | ~32 |
| Institutional Deliveries | 99.7% | ~89% |
| Full Immunization | 100% | ~76% |
What Explains This Outperformance?
- Near-Universal Institutional Deliveries
One of the strongest drivers is the near-total shift toward institutional births. With 99.7% of deliveries occurring in healthcare facilities, J&K has effectively minimised risks associated with home births—one of the leading causes of maternal and neonatal deaths in India.
- 100% Immunisation Coverage
J&K has achieved complete immunisation of children, a milestone many larger states are still struggling to reach. This ensures protection against preventable diseases, directly reducing infant and child mortality rates.
- Strong Public Health Infrastructure Expansion
The UT has aggressively invested in healthcare infrastructure—adding AIIMS institutions and cancer institutes, and expanding wellness centres (3,168) and bed capacity to over 22,000. These investments are not just urban-centric but extend to remote and conflict-sensitive regions.
- Digital Health Integration
Initiatives like telemedicine (e-Sanjeevani), SEHAT App, and Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission have bridged access gaps in geographically challenging terrains. This has enabled early diagnosis, timely referrals, and continuity of care.
- Universal Health Coverage (SEHAT Scheme)
With 100% family registration under the SEHAT scheme and over 19 lakh treatments provided, financial barriers to maternal and child healthcare have significantly reduced.
Why This Matters in 2025–26
In the current policy climate—where India is pushing toward SDG targets and “Viksit Bharat”—J&K’s performance offers a replicable model. It demonstrates that targeted governance, digital health, and last-mile delivery can outperform even larger, resource-rich states.
However, challenges remain. Sustaining these outcomes will require continuous funding, addressing regional disparities within the UT, and strengthening human resources in healthcare.
Hence, Jammu & Kashmir’s maternal and child health success story is not accidental – it is policy-driven, data-backed, and governance-led. At a time when India is striving to reduce health inequalities, J&K provides a powerful case study: that even in difficult terrains and complex socio-political contexts, health outcomes can dramatically improve with the right interventions. This is not just a regional success – it’s a national lesson waiting to be scaled.
Source: J&K Economic Survey 2025–26; Sample Registration System (SRS), Government of India.
The writer is a journalism student at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) Jammu
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