Srinagar, February 3 — Jammu and Kashmir has one health institution for roughly every 3,500 people — far better than the national average of one for every 6,000 — the government told the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, citing a 2023 report of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Replying in writing to a question by legislator Mir Saifullah during the Budget Session, the administration said nearly 4,000 health institutions are currently operational across the Union Territory.
“Jammu and Kashmir has achieved a much higher density of health institutions compared to the national average,” the government stated, adding that its present policy is focused on “consolidation of existing health facilities rather than expansion.”
The reply further noted that under Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) 2022 norms, several districts in J&K already have more Sub-District Hospitals (SDHs) than required as per population.
“Given the existing availability and surplus in certain categories, establishment of new institutions or upgradation is not under active consideration at this stage,” the government said.
To strengthen healthcare delivery, the administration outlined a strategy centred on manpower enhancement and digital services.
“The focus is on augmenting staff, expanding the Digital Registration Process and scaling up digital health platforms such as e-Sanjeevani, tele-medicine and tele-radiology,” the reply said.
It also added that Mobile Medical Units are being planned to serve remote and hard-to-reach areas to ensure last-mile healthcare access.
