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.
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.
GUWAHATI:Yet another Hindu organization leader booked a day after he questioned the rights of the Muslim people to live in Assam. The All Assam Garia Moria Parishad has moved the Hatigaon Police Station in Guwahati with a complaint against Debotanu Bhattacharya, the Hindu Sanghati leader who on Sunday said that the Muslims had no right to live in Assam. An APCC leader also moved the police with the same complaint seeking legal action against Bhattacharya whose speech might incite communal violence at any time. Bhattacharya in his speech at a huge public rally in Barak valley made this objectionable remark a couple of days back an AIUDF leader spoke ill of the Hindu people be slammed by...
GUWAHATI: December 15 will witness a ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest against the centre’s decision to ignore all civil society inputs and table the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill of August 2016 in the winter session of the Parliament. This decision is being seen as a stunning reversal and letdown by the Government of India after more than a year’s dialogue with transgender and intersex community groups on how to improve the Bill and make it more inclusive and respectful of gender diversity. A series of events and other forms of protest have been lined up or already started by the transgender and intersex communities and their allies across the country in the run-up to the...
GUWAHATI:A special CBI court in Guwahati on Monday is taking up the serial explosion case in the city along with Kokrajhar and Barpeta in 2009 where around 100 people lost their lives. Special court judge P Chakrabarty is set to decide on the fates of altogether 23 rebels who were accused by CBI as the country's premier investigation agency was probing the deadly incident. The accused, mostly, have struck the peace deal with the government during the UPA regime even amid the crucial probe into the episode.
GUWAHATI: The quality and colour of the Brahmaputra water refuse to change for the second consecutive day on Monday. Till this morning the mighty river which originates from Tibet in China to fall in the Bay of Bengal is flowing with black colour water which is not usual in this season. GMC authorities have also confirmed the change in the water quality and have been waiting for the laboratory report." We have collected thr water samples, sent it to the laboratory and by this afternoon we would be able to ascertain it," said a GMC official. Even the fishermen in Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Tezpur and Guwahati have stopped fishing from Sunday morning aa soon as they came to notice the...
In a joyous moments, the Hornbills shouted "Hip Hip Hurray! They defeated Zeliangrong FC 2-0 in the final match of 11th ONGC North-East Tamchon Football Tournament held in Dr Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi on December 2, 2017. North-East, the land of football lovers, from the nook and corner of the national capital, Delhi gathered and flocked together in a group supporting their favourite team in the final kick-off. Both the side of supporters came in a huge number with large banners, beating drums and whistles and blowing pipes, cheering their team players. The fans of Zeliangrong FC screamed heavily, "Zeliangrong Rintelo!" On the other side, the groups of Hornbill joyfully shouted, "...
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