Jammu, July 7 -- The recent decline in Jammu and Kashmir's Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)-from 16 to 14 per 1,000 live births as per the SRS 2022-is a significant milestone. It reflects both the commitment of health authorities and the increasing community-level awareness towards institutional deliveries, neonatal care, and immunization. In a region grappling with tough terrain, scattered population, and frequent resource shortages, this progress is commendable and speaks volumes of targeted interventions like Mission Indradhanush and the strengthening of PHCs and CHCs in rural belts.
However, behind this encouraging statistic lies a troubling ground reality that cannot be ignored. The deplorable condition of SMGS Hospital in Jammu-one of the...