Assam has emerged as the state with the lowest life expectancy in India, averaging just 66 years, according to recent data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5).This figure not only falls below the national average of approximately 69 years but also trails behind other Northeastern states, with neighboring Nagaland boasting a life expectancy exceeding 75 years.
Health experts attribute Assam's lagging life expectancy to a combination of factors, including air pollution, poor dietary habits, high blood pressure, smoking, and environmental hazards.Dr. Rahul Mehra, UNESCO Chair Representative for Global Health and Education, emphasized the urgency of integrating health education into school curricula to address these issues from an early age.He highlighted that 68% of children aged 6 months to 5 years and 66% of women in Assam suffer from anemia, underscoring the need for preventive measures.
In terms of health system performance, Assam has shown some progress.The NITI Aayog's "Healthy States, Progressive India" report recognized Assam as one of the most improved states in health, noting a 4.8-point increase in its health index score.However, the state still faces significant challenges in achieving better health outcomes.
Financial constraints further complicate the situation.The NITI Aayog's Fiscal Health Index (FHI) for the financial year 2023 assessed the fiscal health of eighteen major Indian states, excluding Northeastern states like Assam.This exclusion highlights the need for more comprehensive data to address the unique challenges faced by these regions.
Experts advocate for a multifaceted approach to improve health outcomes in Assam.Recommendations include implementing health education in schools, promoting awareness about nutrition and hygiene, and addressing environmental issues such as air pollution.Dr. Mehra also suggested practical measures like the use of air purifiers and continued mask usage to mitigate pollution-related health risks.
Addressing these health challenges is crucial for enhancing the quality of life in Assam and aligning the state's health indicators with national and regional standards.
GUWAHATI: Can peace process and trial by court go on together? Ranjan Daimary finds it strange to have observed. The pro talk NDFB chairman told it to the reporters as he came to appear before a special court on Monday in Guwahati in connection with the 2008 serial bombings. Daimary said he would write to the Centre how long the fast track trial in the court and the peace process would go at the same time. The NDFB chairman along with 20 others were chargesheeted by the CBI which proved the case. Then they struck peace deal with the Centre and started staying at the designated camps. Daimary, along with three of his associates were absent from the special court last week as it...
GUWAHATI:Pro talk NDFB chairman Ranjan Daimary appeared before the first tract court in Guwahati on Monday in connection with the 2008 serial bombing where nearly 100 people were killed in Guwahati, Kokrajhar and Chirang. The Central Bureau of Investigation which probe the incident chargesherted him along with twenty others. The court started first track hearing from last week where 14 former rebels appeared. Daimary appeared on Monday only and thr special court is hearing the case on day to day basis from Monday.
NEW DELHI:The Supreme Court has turned down the anticipatory bail petition of Nishamoni Deka who has been escaping the police in connection with the notorious APSC scam. A division bench of the court on Monday morning heard the bail petition and straightly rejected it. Deka moved the top court when a special court in Guwahati rejected it.
GUWAHATI:After a brief silence a mild tremor jolted parts of Assam bordering Meghalaya on Monday. The 4.7 magnitude earthquake which originated in the East Garo hills of Meghalaya was also felt in many parts of Assam in thr early hours striking panick among the people along the inter state border.
GUWAHATI: With deep devotion and pledge of an immigrant free Assam, the state observed the Martyrs’ Day on Sunday marking the end of the life of Khargeswar Talukdar, the first martyr of the Assam agitation. Many parties and organizations and individuals have offered floral tributes to the martyrs who made supreme sacrifice to restore the real identity of the state and its people. Social media is full of status offering tribute to the 855 people who fought till the end of their lives. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, his cabinet colleagues paid homage to the martyrs on the occasion. Many Assam agitation leaders have expressed grave concern over the incomplete...
TEZPUR: A speeding train crushed to death five wild tuskers in Sonitpur district sending huge shock and anger across the state on Sunday. The incident that triggers anger against the forest department took place in Balipara early in the morning where a herd of elephants crossed the rail tracks as the No 15617 Guwahati-Naharlagun Donyi Polo Express was moving. These include stillborn calf. With this the number of wild elephants killed by the trains since 2016 has gone up 12 triggering protest by the animal lovers who slammed the forest department for failing to control the wild elephants.
GUWAHATI: Despite a slew of restrictions by the National Green Tribunal a section of coal depots has been running secret deal in Assam and Meghalaya forcing the authority to step in. Assam and Meghalaya police conducted a joint raid at a coal depot in outskirt of Guwahati city on Saturday and detected the alleged coal trade. Acting on a tip off, the joint police team reached 15th Mile area in Sonapur which falls under Meghalaya’s Ri Bhoi district. During the raid the police seized 31 coal-laden truck while two other trucks were waiting to be loaded. The depot is owned by Ashok Agarwal and Bajrang Agarwal who took the plot on lease from a Guwahati-based businessman....
GUWAHATI:A special investigative team will probe into the alleged plot to kill Himanta Biswa Sarma after the police arrested two health department workers in this connection. According to information, senior police officer posted in headquarters in Guwahati Navaneet Mahanta will head the SIT which will submit its findings. All district police authorities have been asked to enhance security for the senior minister after the plot on his life was exposed. On the other hand, state Congress has demanded a CBI probe in to the plot after the arrested employees confessed to have been trying to reach Tarun Gogoi, Ripun Bora and Rockybul Hussain.
GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that agriculture is the mainstay for the economic growth of the State and mooted that Assam Agricultural University (AAU) should take the lead in preparing a broad roadmap for agriculture driven growth in the State. Speaking at a one-day brain-storming session on 'agrarian stress mitigation for higher productivity, profitability and permanency in Assam' at Assam Administrative Staff College on Friday, he said that a broad roadmap guided by the latest technology for agriculture and allied sectors would stimulate sustainable development in the state. He, therefore, asked the Vice Chancellor of Assam Agricultural University Dr. KM...
TINSUKIA: A heavy gunbattle between ULFA-I rebels and policemen keeps Tinsukia tense one again. The encounter that resulted in zero casualty took place at Bordomsa on Friday midnight where a group of rebels who are believed to have been moving in the area suddenly fired upon on a police team set up a couple of months back. The police men also retaliated by firing for nearly 30 minutes. Then the rebels vanished. Senior police officials arrived in the spot and cordoned off the area in search of the rebels who fled after the exchange of firing. A group of ULFA-I rebels are believed to have been moving in Bordomsa area to extort money from a section of monyed people forcing the authorities...
Add new comment