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.
KOKRAJHAR: Security forces claimed to have captured a dreadedNDFB-S rebel in Baksa district of BTAD on Tuesday. Identified as Ratan Narzary, he was caught in Goreswar as he was travelling on a public bus to Bangalipara. Interrogation is going on. Police further claimed to have seized a pistol from his possession.
TINSUKIA: The All Adivasi Students Association of Assam (AASSAA) staged sit in for two hours in Tinsukia demanding that the Centre must make public the Naga peace framework to allay the apprehension of the state’s territorial integration. Talking to Assam Times, AASSA president Raja Kujur, General Secretary Ramanuj Lakra said the silence of the Assam Government over the recent Nagaland sub division on the soil of Assam, deterioration of law and order situation along the Assam-Nagaland border have raised doubt over the role of the Government at the Centre and state. They made it clear that the Government would be responsible for any untoward incident if takes place after the...
GUWAHATI: Assam governor Jagdish Mukhi said tourism gives the north eastern region a rare respect. Opening the International Tourism Mart at a function in Guwahati on Tuesday, he said the region of red rivers and blue hills will keep beckoning tourists from the country and abroad to fetch Assam and other north eastern state more glory. In his address Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the mega event in thepremier north eastern city will be the key to the Act East policy which will focus the uniqueness of the region. Union minister for tourism KL Alphons, state tourism minister Himanta Biswa Sarma were prominent among those who attended the opening ceremony. ...
NEW DELHI:After weeks of will-it-wont-it, the Supreme Court has cleared the validity of panchayat certificates as supportive documents to update NRC providing a big breather for nearly 50 residents whose fate kept hanging in balance.A division bench of the country's top court comprising Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice FA Nariman who reserved thd ruling last week cleared it on M on Monday setting aside the Gauhati High Court ruling.The division bench further termed OI( original inhabitants) an irrevalent one in the on going process to update NRC. Last week in a major setback for the Centre, the court rejected the plea to extend the date for publication of NRC by 6 months. It asked the...
GUWAHATI:Yet another sensational murder in Guwahati sends no less shock and anger across the state on Tuesday where a college girl was kidnapped and killed in the heart of the premier north eastern city. The incident took place in Bharalumukh area where Sweata Agarwalla, a KC Das College student went missing on her way back to home on Monday afternoon. Later he charred body was recovered at a house in the area. The victim's further has alleged that Sweata was kidnapped and killed and the police have arrested a youth who alleged perpetrated the crime. The 25 year old youth who was allegedly trying to be with her for the last couple of months was believed to have taken Sweata to his home...
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court is expected to clear its judgment on the validity of panchayat certificate as supportive documents to update NRC. A division bench of Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice FA Nariman is set to pass the much awaited judgment by Tuesday afternoon. The bench of the country's apex court completed the hearing of the plea last week and reserved the ruling which is expected on Tuesday to decide on the fate of around 50 lakh people, mostly, women who have applied for NRC with gaon panchayat certificate as supportive documents. new delhi:
MARGHERITA:Despite plenty of natural resources Margherita has been lingering in the back stage of progress for decades. The huge coal town in the south east Asia region lacks proper infrascture even after the advancement of science and technology to extract coal on every passing day. The major concern now a days is the pathetic road condition in this area. The National Highway No 38 has been in a bad condition for the last couple of years. A huge portion of thr vital road is hardly worth travelling causing immense suffering for the people. Movement of thousands of coal trucks and dumpers have added to the woes. Local residents here have blamed the government for this plight. ...
GUWAHATI:The change in the colour and quality of the Brahmaputra water is attributed to an earthquake that rocked Tibet where the mighty river originates before owing across Arunachal Pradesh and Assam before ending in the Bay of Bengal through Bangladesh. Experts maintain that the earthquake of moderate intensity might have blocked a huge passage with mud and soil which the river water is sweeping away during the last couple of days. Water samples are being collected in different locations across the state to be sent to the laboratories for further confirmation. But the authority has suggested the people not to use the river water which might strike health hazards. For the third...
NEW DELHI: The North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) along with other organizations staged protest in front of the Assam Bhawan in New Delhi on Monday in protest against the eviction drive in the Amchang wildlife sanctuary. The protestors said,”These homes belonged to the poor working people from various marginalised communities of the state, such as Mising, Karbi, Rabha, Dimasa, Bodo, Koch, Kalita, Ahom and others. The eviction was not only illegal but mercilessly brutal as the Govt brought in 2000 army and police personnel, elephants, bulldozers, tear-gas shells guns and attacked the people ruthlessly in order to evict them.” They said,”it should be known that even as...
GUWAHATI:At least 14 former rebels appeared before a special CBI court to face fast track trial in connection with the serial bombings in 2009 where over 100 people lost their lives. Out of 23, only 14 rebels whom CBI chargrsheeted in the case appeared as the court starts fast tracking of the trial on Monday. Rajan Daimary, the then NDFB chief remained absent from the trial on the day one even after CBI indicted him. In fact, a couple of months after the serial explosion most of the accused rebels struck peace deal with the Centre and started staying at their designated camps.
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