Major Reforms Aim to Improve Accessibility and Quality of Care
Srinagar: In the past five years, Jammu and Kashmir have witnessed a significant expansion in healthcare staffing, with around 11,000 doctors and paramedics hired under the National Health Mission (NHM) and over 36,000 regular positions filled in the Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department.
According to the 2024 Economic Survey Report, accessed by Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the government has taken major steps to enhance healthcare services, focusing on maternal and child health, disease prevention, and expanding medical infrastructure. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, investments in digital healthcare services have helped improve accessibility.
Boost in Healthcare Workforce and Infrastructure
The report highlights several key achievements in the sector:
- 10,919 doctors and paramedical staff recruited under NHM.
- 36,274 regular positions filled in the H&ME Department.
- 365 medical officers appointed in 2024, deployed to remote areas for improved patient care.
- 13,965 ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) supporting healthcare services.
- Increased MBBS and PG seats along with new DNB (Diplomate of National Board) programs in medical institutions.
- Establishment of Health and Wellness Centres, Jan Aushadhi Kendras, and Amrit Stores for affordable healthcare access.
Expanding Digital and Emergency Healthcare Services
J&K is making strides in digital healthcare and emergency medical response:
- Tele Manas, launched in 2022, offers 24×7 tele-mental health counselling services.
- E-Sanjeevani, a telemedicine platform, has already facilitated 9.5 lakh remote consultations.
- Drug and Vaccine Distribution Management System (DVDMS) ensures online tracking of medical supplies.
- Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission has digitized 79 lakh health records and created 90.84 lakh ABHA health IDs.
- Geo-tagged ambulance services with 489 ambulances (including 139 Advanced Life Support units) have served over 4.30 lakh beneficiaries since 2020.
Universal Health Coverage and Financial Savings
Under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and PMJAY SEHAT, J&K has extended health insurance benefits to 19.02 lakh families, up from 6.70 lakh earlier. These programs have enabled:
- 15 lakh treatments, saving around ₹2,800 crore in inpatient expenses.
- 100% family registration, with 86.12 lakh Golden Cards issued for cashless treatment.
Tuberculosis Elimination and Public Health Achievements
J&K has been recognized for its TB elimination efforts, receiving accolades at the ONE WORLD TB SUMMIT 2023:
- Bronze Medal for 20%+ TB incidence reduction since 2015.
- Pulwama and Anantnag districts declared TB-free (80%+ reduction).
- Srinagar awarded a Gold Medal for achieving 60% TB reduction.
Future Roadmap: Universal Health Coverage by 2030
Looking ahead, J&K’s Health Department aims to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030, focusing on:
- Strengthening primary healthcare and expanding medical education.
- Ending epidemics and achieving child health milestones.
- Enhancing public-private partnerships for comprehensive care.
With continued investments in infrastructure, digital health, and workforce development, J&K is positioning itself as a model for accessible and quality healthcare in India.
