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: Training on scientific beekeeping is completed in Lakhimpur and Dhemaji District on Sunday. Fifty farmers availed of the training at RARS, Gorumoria, N. Lakhimpur and twenty five nos of farmers attend at Training Hall of DAO, Dhemaji. DAO, K. Kr. Lahan inaugurated the training programme at Dhemaji. During the training programme, the Chief Scientist, Regional Agricultural Research Station (RATS), Lakhimpur Dr Prabal Saikia discussed with Bakul Saikia, Nodal Officer, Bee Keeping , Directorate of Horticulture and Food Processing about establishment of Nucleus Centre of Honey Bee at RARS, N Lakhimpur, so that farmers can take the colonies of Honey Bee ...
GUWAHATI: All of a sudden, the river Brahmaputra has started flowing with dirty water much the major concern of the millions of people in Assam to have spotted the disaster in their lifeline. The polluted water was spotted only from Jonai area in Dhemaji down to the north eastern city of Guwahati by Sunday noon where hundreds of people beside the mighty river keep watching the water. The authority has yet to react."We have yet to confirm. We have some procedure and without going into the details we can't react," said an official with the water resource development department. Early in the morning a few fishermen spotted the polluted water in Jonai. " We noticed it after I came to know...
GUWAHATI: Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said the physically challenged have equal rights and opportunities to lead a happy life. These people have nothing to be worried in the country. Unveiling the Dindayal Divyanga Scheme at a function in Guwahati on Sunday morning he said the society has lots to do fir these people whose talents are in no way negligible.Before that governor Jagdish Mukhiya heaped praise on the government for the helping hands for the disabled lots.In his address, chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal said his government will leave no stone unturned to help the disabled people who can equally contribute to the growth of the nation.
Vice president M Venkaiah Naidu is on a two days visit to the north eastern city of Guwahati. During his maiden visit as vice president on Sunday he is attending a programme in Sarusajai based Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium. This would be followed by another programme at Sankardev Kalakhetra. Then he is scheduled to leave back for New Delhi in the evening. Naidu arrived in the city on Saturday evening to be received by Governor Jagdish Mukhi and Chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. Then he straightly left for Raj Bhawan and meet the various parties and organizations.
GUWAHATI: The United Liberation Front of Asom (I) has deeply condoled the loss of Rajen Deka who was killed at an encounter with security forces in Udalguri on Friday wee hours. In a statement issued here, the rebel outfit heaped huge praise on him for his sacrifice saying that he died fighting with the security forces thinking not even an iota of his life. The rebel outfit has declared him the martyr.
GUWAHATI:Senior Congress leader and former chief minister Tarun Gogoi came down heavily on the BJP led government in Delhi for not allowing the people to know the content of the controversial Naga peace framework. Addressing a press conference in Guwahati on Saturday, Gogoi said if the Centre wants territorial integrity to remain undisturbed, then why it has not disclosed the pact reached with NSCN-IM two years back. What forces the Centre to keep mum even after the Naga rebel outoufit has been repeatedly talking of the integration of the north eastern Naga inhibited areas in the much-hyped greater Nagalim. Gogoi further criticised the government alleging that the NRC works were being...
GUWAHATI: People of all walks of life are celebrating Asom Diwas on Saturday to mark the Sukapha Day, thr first Ahom king to have ruled the then Assam in 1228 AD. Public meetings, puja offerings, seminars and cultural functions are lined up across the state to mark the occasion. In Guwahati also, the people cutting across political barriers are standing united to observe the day amid a series of controversies confronting the state.
NAMRUP:A section of people in a remote hamlet in Namrup killed a leopard hours after it killed a lady and hurt 3 others in a series of attack on Friday morning. Not only that after lynching, the villagers cut the animal into pieces in full view of the forest officials. Then they claimed to have consumed it triggering widespread anger among the animal lovers. These disturbing incidents took place in Majkopihuwa goan and Asomiya Gaon where the local villagers in large number chased the leopard after it killed Maikon Gogoi and injuring three others in s series of attacks in the morning. The animal then was beaten up to death. A section of them cut it into pieces to vanished. Some of...
GUWAHATI:The Gauhati High Court on Friday asked the forest department and Kamrup(metro) administration to keep evicting the commercial structure in the Amchang wildlife sanctuary. In response to a formal appeal moved by the government, the court which temporarily stayed the eviction on Thursday said on Friday that only the settlers and their houses have come under the purview of the stay order. It allowed the authorities to keep evicting the commercial structures in the wildlife sanctuary.
TANGLA: Security forces claimed to have killed a dreaded ULFA-I rebel at an encounter in Udalguri district on Friday. The encounter is said to have taken place in a remote area near Tangla where a few rebels were believed to have been hiding. The fierce gin fight erupted as army and police launched the counter insurgency operation in the remote hamlet on Nalbari where Rajen Deka, a senior leader in rank of segment died on the spot. Others managed to escape from the spot and the security forces have cordoned off the entire area from early in the morning in search of the hiding rebels. Police claimed to have we fixed an AK 47 rifles along with bullets from the spot.
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