Budget Session 2025: J&K among top regions in health institution density

Srinagar, March 08: The Health & Medical Education Department has informed the Jammu and Kashmir Government that, according to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, J&K ranks among the leading regions in the country in terms of health institution density.
The information was provided by the Minister of Health and Medical Education in the Legislative Assembly in response to a starred question raised by MLA Zainapora Assembly constituency, Showkat Hussain Ganie, regarding the upgradation of Kanjuilar, Kaprin, Turkwangam, and Sharatpora Sub-Centres to Primary Health Centres (PHCs).
“At present, the J&K government is focusing on consolidating existing health facilities, with over 4,200 health institutes at various levels, including Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary institutions,” the reply said.
The department emphasized its commitment to addressing critical gaps by strengthening existing health facilities in strict accordance with Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) norms. Additionally, efforts are being made to enhance accessibility for the general public by expanding the e-Sanjeevani/telemedicine network through a well-structured hub-and-spoke model.
“It is noteworthy that IPHS norms serve as the benchmark for the creation and upgradation of health facilities. While earlier standards followed IPHS 2012, the latest IPHS 2022 norms are now in effect and will be the guiding framework for future health infrastructure development,” the reply further said.
In response to another question raised by MLA Bahu Assembly constituency, Vikram Randhawa, regarding the establishment of new healthcare units due to the increasing population in Jammu & Kashmir, the Health & Medical Education Department clarified that the government is currently prioritizing the consolidation of existing health facilities.
The house was informed that, as per a 2023 report by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, J&K has one health institution for every 3,500 people, compared to the national average of 6,000 people per institution.
“Currently, no new healthcare units, dispensaries, or sub-centers are planned. However, these may be considered once the austerity measures under Government Order No. 10-F of 2025, dated 11.01.2025, imposed by the Finance Department, are lifted and if critical gaps are identified,” the department stated.
To address essential gaps, the government remains focused on strengthening existing health facilities in line with IPHS 2022 norms.