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.
Kohima: Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang lauded the Churches, Civil Societies and the NGOs for facilitating the resolution of the Naga political issue. He said that with their contribution and co-operation, the DAN Govt since its installation to office in March 2003, had accorded highest priority to the Naga Political Issue and continues to do so. Speaking at the Consultative Meet of the Nagaland Legislators Forum with Ex-Parliamentarians on Naga Political Issue on Thursday at RCEMPA-Jotsoma, Kohima he said 'Efforts at bringing about better understanding between the different NNPGs and drawing them closer to each other has been made while numerous resolutions were passed by the Nagaland...
Kokrajhar: More and more people are pouring in to participating in the ongoing prayer and healing festival at Titaguri Bhawanipur ground in Kokrajhar district who keep praying for peace and integrity. On the third day of the festival on Thursday, Kampa Borgoyary, BTC deputy chief graced as guest hoped that the prayer and healing is giving way to get healthy and remedial measures through prayer and healing. Nearly 20,000 devotees and followers from the BTAD districts are attending the festival every day to take prayer and healing tradition for meeting healthy life among society, which was organized by inter denominational Christian groups to provide prayer and healing facilities to the...
GUWAHATI: A local court in Guwahati on Thursday remanded two police officers to judicial custody a day after CID arrested the duo in connection with the sensational Jugdal case where local resident Harakanta Doloi along with five of his family members were hacked to death under mysterious circumstances in 2009. The CID which has been probing the case arrested the then Sonapur police station officer in charge Pranab Jyoti Deka and investigation officer Motlib Chaudhury charging the duo with trying to destroy evidence at the instance of the culprits.
TEZPUR: The Rongjuli incident seems to have taken a new turn with the revelations the displaced people have been keen to stay with Meghalaya. According to information, since they decided to stay in the side of Meghalaya they did not feel it necessary to apply for NRC.
GUWAHATI:The Guwahati High Court on Monday will decide on the fate of Akhil Gogoi who is languishing in Dibrugarh Central Jail since he was arrested under the National Security Act. A division bench of the court heard the bail plea moved by the KMSS leader. But the hearing was incomplete. The bench will resume hearing on Monday. His bail petition was moved amid country side protest against the arrest of the pea sent leader joined by many veteran social activists. He was arrested under NSA a couple of days he openly urged the people to remain prepared for an armed struggle.
TEZPUR: In a bizarre incident that sends statewide sensation, a group of people in a small village in Rogjuli area in Biswanath forced 45 families to leave overnight on Wednesday night. The incident took place in Goroimari where as many as 150 people had to leave the hamlet at the height of a group clash. A section of the villagers who thronged at a public space asked these families to depart alleging that they were not covered in the NRC. Some others strongly defended these people. But of no avail. Amid biting coldwave, these people were forced to leave at 1 midnight. Acting on a rumour that their names are...
KOLKATA: Union home minister Rajnath Singh is hunkering down in Kolkata on Thursday with the north eastern chief ministers and home ministers to discuss the trans border situation. Apart from the influx of Bangladeshi nationals from across the border,the meeting is discussing the intrusion of Rohingyas. Further Singh is listening to the chief ministers the way to check it. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is also attending the meeting since her state also shares the international border. Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, his Meghalaya counterpart Mukul Sangma, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, his counterpart from Manipur Biren Singh are...
GUWAHATI: Some stunning revelations are believed to have surfaced on the Jugdal case when police arrested two officers eight years after unidentified miscreants hacked to death 6 members of a family in the outskirt of Guwahati. The CID team probing the case has been interrogating the then Sonapur police station officer in charge Pranab Kumar Deka and investigation officer Abdul Matif Choudhury who were arrested on Wednesday. Sources told Assam Times that the probe refused to progress because of political influence in Dispur in the erstwhile Tarun Gogoi regime. As the probe into the sensation murder case gathers steam, two political leaders are likely to land in trouble....
UDALGURI: The Udlaguri police have arrested two stonemen on Wednesday who allegedly have been unleashing terror among the students at passerby in the BTAD town. Identified as Karun Boro (18) and Akul Daimari(21) of Sonaigaon village and Nalbari village, they were arrested to be registered a a case No. 248/17 under relevant sections of IPC at Udalguri police Station. A local court sent the duo to the jail. Several persons and students sustained injury in their attacks during the last couple of days. A minor girl in Udalguri town and a student of HS in Mangaldoi were allegedly hit by them with stones two days back. Police further recovered a KTM bike from their possession. ...
NAZIRA: Altogether 101 participators are in the clash for the four-day long ONGC Inter-Sectoral Badminton Tournament which is underway at Arjun Bhogeswar Baruah Indoor Badminton Stadium. All the participants are representing the Seven (07) Sectors of ONGC – Headquarters Dehradun, Delhi Corporate Office, Mumbai, Southern, Eastern, Western and Assam. The tournament is being played in categories such as Men, above 45 years and below 45 years; and Women, above 45 years and below 45 years category, in both Singles & Doubles. ONGC Assam Asset GGM-Asset Manager S D Maske opened the tournament in presence of the legend, Arjun award winning player Bhogeswar Baruah. The...
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