Jammu, April 17 -- The healthcare situation in Jammu & Kashmir is increasingly portrayed as one of success stories. The Infant Mortality Rate and Maternal Mortality Ratio have been pointed out as the evidence of progress made. Since it seems that there are only 14 deaths among babies for every 1,000 births, and the Maternal Mortality Ratio stands close to 47 deaths among women for every 100,000 births, this picture might seem rather promising, even impressive.

However, such an interpretation is somewhat misleading. Because as soon as the focus shifts beyond those few statistics, the real picture becomes clear.

It is vital to note that reduction in mortality is indeed a sign of improvement. However, this is no guarantee of a good healthc...