J&K health sector makes gains in 2025, but challenges strain system

· Rising burden of non-communicable diseases

· Acute shortage of healthcare staff

· Lack of advanced diagnostic facilities in new medical colleges

· Delay in completion of AIIMS Kashmir

Jammu Tawi, Dec 23: In 2025, Jammu and Kashmir’s health sector witnessed visible progress through policy reforms, infrastructure expansion and new service delivery initiatives. However, these gains continue to be weighed down by deep-rooted challenges such as a rising disease burden, acute staff shortages, inadequate advanced diagnostics and delays in flagship projects like AIIMS Kashmir.

The government made a significant infrastructure push by allocating Rs 124.83 crore to upgrade medical facilities across the Union Territory. The funds were sanctioned for installing CT scan facilities at GMC Jammu, MRI machines at GMC Baramulla, Kathua and Rajouri, a Cath Lab at GMC Doda, a PET scan facility at GMC Srinagar, and for establishing 80 telemedicine units across J&K. These upgrades aim to reduce patient referrals and improve access to advanced diagnostics.

The proposal to install a second PET scan machine in Kashmir at GMC Srinagar was particularly welcomed, as the Valley currently has only one functional PET scan at SKIMS Soura, which caters to thousands of cancer patients. In the Jammu division, a PET scan facility at GMC Jammu became operational this year, offering long-awaited relief.

One of the year’s major achievements was the operationalisation of a new block at the Bone and Joint Hospital, Barzulla. After years of delays, the expansion has eased congestion, improved working conditions for healthcare staff and enhanced patient comfort. In contrast, the promised 250-bedded maternity and child care hospital in Anantnag remains unrealised. Despite being announced over a year ago, construction has not begun, forcing services to continue in an unsafe, dilapidated building and raising concerns over maternal and neonatal safety.

Decentralisation of services marked another positive development. Dialysis centres at district and sub-district hospitals have reduced the need for long-distance travel, while dedicated geriatric wards have improved elderly care. Chemotherapy units were established in all district hospitals, benefiting cancer patients who earlier depended on Srinagar or Jammu. Digital payment systems and “scan and share” facilities further streamlined hospital services.

The Ayushman Bharat–PMJAY SEHAT Scheme, or Golden Card, emerged as a lifeline for economically weaker families. Offering Rs 5 lakh annual health insurance per family, the scheme enabled cashless treatment for diagnostics, medicines, surgeries and hospitalisation. Online registration and download of cards helped expand coverage, though residents continue to demand inclusion of caesarean deliveries under the scheme.

Despite these initiatives, Jammu and Kashmir faces a growing dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Dengue, swine flu, bird flu and other emerging infections pose recurring threats, particularly in Jammu. At the same time, lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, strokes, kidney failure, obesity, cancer and mental health disorders are rising sharply. Health experts estimate that around 10% of the population suffers from diabetes, while over 20% are prediabetic. Hypertension affects nearly every third or fourth adult, often remaining undiagnosed until severe complications occur.

Public health indicators present further concerns. According to NFHS-5, J&K has the lowest fertility rate in India, attributed to lifestyle changes, late marriages and obesity. Anaemia affects 66% of women, while COPD cases are increasing, largely driven by high tobacco use—J&K ranks sixth nationally in smoking prevalence.

Drug abuse and mental health issues have reached alarming levels. Estimates suggest 13.5 lakh drug users in the region, including over five lakh opioid addicts, increasing risks of HIV and hepatitis. Mental health helplines have reported thousands of distress calls, with doctors also warning about rising screen-induced behavioural issues among children.

A crippling challenge remains the acute shortage of healthcare workers. Nearly 16,000 posts lie vacant across GMCs, health directorates, AYUSH and NHM, severely affecting service delivery, especially in rural areas. The rising cancer burden—averaging 38 new cases daily—and delays in completing AIIMS Awantipora further strain tertiary care.

In sum, while 2025 brought meaningful reforms and investments, experts warn that without urgent recruitment, stronger preventive healthcare and timely completion of major projects, J&K’s health system may struggle to meet its growing needs.