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.
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...
GUWAHATI: The All Assam Students Union is convening a brainstorming session with the ethnic groups on December 13 in Guwahati to discuss the NRC draft to be published on December 31, 2017. Talking to Assam Times over telephone AASU leaders said the meeting needs to be convened in view of the rumours and apprehension which is spreading nook and corner of the state. They said the meeting would try to build confidence in the minds of the ethnic groups and tribes who have been resorting to misapprehension. “We want to spread the message of confidence. Those genuine lots have nothing to fear,” said the leaders. NRC officials have stepped up door to door verification...
SILCHAR: The on going process to update NRC has raised doubts over the citizenship of a senior Congress leader who needs to undergo reverification. He is non other than Siddeque Ahmed, the former minister in the erstwhile Tarun Gogoi government whose name is not available in the NRC, 1951. Ahmed, who was elected thrice from Karmganj claimed to have been a native of Dhalopar gaon in Patherkandi police station who is facing reverification on Thursday a week after he was served a notice. According to sources, Abdul Rakib, whom he claimed to be his father is available in the 1951NRC. On the other hand, his brothers have not received any notification to be reverified.
GUWAHATI:Despite round-the-clock vigil, armed miscreants keep moving in Guwahati to monger more trouble. Yet another shoot out incident rocked the city on Wednesday where Pakhi Miya sustained injury. The incident took place when the drug lord was traveling from Behorbari to Bhetapara by his car. Suddenly, an armed miscreant who was following him on a gipsy started indiscriminate firing at the Scorpio in which Pakhi Miya was travelling at around 8 in the evening. Hati Gaon police have accepted the complaint and registered a case. The drug lord came out of the jail a couple of months back on bail. Police investigation is going on.
The sensation murder of Sweta Agarwalla is no longer a mystery now. The person that took her life was none other than Govind Singhal who forcibly took the KC Das Commerce College girl to his house as she was on her way back to her house in the afternoon. During police interrogation Govind, a colleague intern of a firm confessed to have hit her on the wall before she died. Then he along with his mother and sister poured kerosene on her body to destroy evidence and planned to depart the city. Govind was angry with her when she has been repeatedly refusing to be with him. On the other hand, many organizations and individuals have mounted pressure on the authority to ensure capital...
Kokrajhar: Only a few days are left to publish the NRC draft. The government and contractual employees deployed in the statewide operation have stepped up the verification process in BTAD areas along with other parts of the state. Many local organizations are also coming out to help the employees and the people. The mood is taking a comfortable turn as soon as the Supreme Court asked the authority to publish the draft by December 31 and validating the panchayat papers as supporting documents. Goria Maria Deshi Jatiya Parishad, ABMSU hailed the Supreme Courts order to use panchayat certificate in the NRC update as supporting document. NRC officials, who are...
TANGLA: The sericulture exhibition cum demonstration programme concluded in Udalguri with all success. Jointly rganised by Directorate of Sericulture BTC and Central Silk Board for the silk worm rearers of Baksa, Darrang and Udalguri, the event drew huge response at all levels. BTC EM of the sericulture Deven Boro, opened the event to be graced by former director of central silk board ,Dr. Kanika Trivedi lauded the efforts of BTAD districts specifically Udalguri which has been excelling as a model district in the entire region not only in eri and muga but also in mulberry silk production. Minister of State for PHE and Food and Civil Supply,Rihon Daimari formally...
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