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.
Amid a massive security arrangement Dhemaji assembly constituency goes to by polls on Sunday where 2,19,751 electorates are deciding the fate of five candidates in the fray. Voters in large number are making long queues in front of the 273 polling booths to exercise their franchise after the voting began at seven in the morning. The voting will conclude at four in the afternoon. The by election which is required following the election if Pradan Baruah to Lok Sabha last year, witnesses a direct contest between Dr Ranoj Pegu from BJP and his nearest Congress rival Babul Sonowal. Three other candidates are also in the fray.
The United Liberation Front of Asom observed its foundation day on Friday reiterating its struggle for an independent Assam compelling authorities to tighten security across the state. ULFA cadres have observed the day at Kakopathar where the outfit in rank and file vowed to carry forward the struggle to make Assam free of decade old exploitation. Those who have already claimed to have eschewed the path of violence observed the day at the designated camps where the leaders and cadres turned emotional. The celebration began with the hoisting of the flags to be followed by discussion on the future course of action. The outfit was founded by Arabinda Rajkhowa, Arup Chetia, Pradeep Gogoi et...
Senior Congress leader and former minister Sumitra Patir joined BJP in Dhemaji on Friday just three days before the assembly by elections. Patir, who elected to the assembly twice with Congress ticket joined the ruling party at a brief function at the Dhemaji Circuit House attended by Chief minister Sarbanabda Sonowal and senior cabinet colleague Himanta Biswa Sarma. In his quick reaction, state Congress president Ripun Bora said the tribal leader joined BJP to get rid of the on going APSC probe where her two sons were among the beneficiaries in question.
Assam Association Chennai is going to orgnise this year's Rongali Bihu celebration on April 15 at C.L.R.I. Play ground, Adyar, Chennai from 5 PM onwards with cultural programme and dinner.All are invited to the programme. 5.00 PM to 6.00 PM - Introduction to each other, Flag Hosting, Various friendly game among the crowed including Assamese ethnic game.6.00 PM Lighting the lamp, Inauguration of Yearly Magazine "Kaziranga - 2017"6.30 PM Cultural function with Chorus, Husori, Bihu Dance, Solo Song, Bihu Song, etc.9.15 PM authentic Assamese diner RSVP: Indukalpa Saikia, General Secretary (Tel: 98409 43308)
After ten hours of an intensive interrogation police on Friday morning arrested Dr Rajamanthandan, the CID officer who was heading the SIT set up to probe the NBBUSS vandalism at a local AASU office.The senior IPS officer was arrested charging him with sabotaging the crucial probe by making public the crucial information on the role of Soobodh Biswas, a charge he has been denying.The CID SSP allegedly has been trying to help Biswas by providing some inputs to a party or individual who favours Biswas, the main culprit behind the Silapothar clash.Another allegation against him was an RTI reply where he made public the progress on the probe and acting on these allegation he was suspended...
Since Delhi and Dispur conceived the idea of Namami Brahmaputra, social media has been running a debate over the river festival in the cash strapped state of Assam. The opinions supporting and opposing the event flooded the social media where if one talks of river trade and tourism potential one would expose the grim reality of the homeless lots.Right from the theme song of worth Rs 50 lakh every single event is facing the question of propriety. A parody of acerbic criticism has gone viral in the social media a day after the organizers have alleged an attempt to spread misinformation on the Nanami Brahmaputra. We are leaving before our visitors the unedited...
Destruction of forest going on near the Deepor Beel level crossing, Garchuk, Guwahati. Several news reporters of Guwahati alleged that they were barred from taking photographs by goons employed by the stone quarry operators.
Amid much fanfare and cultural extravaganza, President Pranab Mukherjee opened the Namami Brahmaputra festival at a glittering function on the mighty river bank in Guwahati on Friday conveying an appeal of ethnic diversity in the land of Brahmaputra. In his opening remarks, the President Mukherjee urged the people to strengthen the bond of unity and diversity in the state where the saint Shankardeva’s neo vaishnavism added a new dimension which he said nowhere in the world. Assam chief minister Sarba Nanda Sonowal said the mighty river, the lifeline of Assan gas huge potential which needs to be explored. Ggovernor Banwarilal Purhit, Bhutan PM, Telengana minister and UP rural development...
The President of the All Bodo Students Union(ABSU) Promod Boro has congratulated to the Namami Brahmaputra festival,which is starting from Friday across the state said that the festival should not be over design over indigenous culture and tradition in the state of Assam.He said that the first ever River festival in Assam is welcome,but do not frame our traditional cultural tradition which is our identity and unity among different community and languages in the state’Boro said.He has urged festival organiser and government to conserve our indigenous culturea and tradition in the state.On the recent red handed arrest of Irrigation Secretary at Assam Assembly Secretariat, Boro demanded strong...
Barpeta Xatra, a Vaishnavite monastery set up by the saint Madhabdeb takes the center stage of an acrimonious controversy when the century old seat of vaishnavite culture and tradition boycotted two local families for facilitating a Muslim person to enter into its premises during the recent Holi festival. A close door meeting of the organization presided over by the satradhikar Basistha Dev Sarma prohibited the entry of Suresh Patowary and Naba Das aling with their family members charging the duo with breaching the culture and tradition of the Vaishnavite organization. It came to light when the UP Muslim person accompanied by Patowary and Das enjoyed the festival of colour at the xatra...
Add new comment