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.
The criminal investigation department probing the multi crore Louis Berger pay off case failed to apprise the court of its progress on Monday.Hearing a public interest litigation, the Gauhati High Court has given the state investigation agency four weeks further to probe the scam where a foreign consultancy firm bribed a circle of officials for award of contracts of s huge water supply project in Guwahati.
Patriotic People’s Front Assam (PPFA) welcomes Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness The Dalai Lama to the city and expresses hope that his visit would strengthen the pre-historical bond between the people of Tibet and northeast India. The Nobel peace laureate, who is scheduled to attend the concluding function of The Assam Tribune’s platinum jubilee and Dainik Asom’s golden jubilee celebration on 1 April before proceeding to Tawang of Arunachal Pradesh. The Dalai Lama will also grace a number of religious functions in the Tibet bordering State during the visit. It may be noted that the China’s Communist regime in Beijing has been opposing his visit to Tawang claiming that it is a...
Asom Sahitya Sabha’s former president Kanaksen Deka inaugurated a book titled Buddhism In Assam on Monday at Guwahati Press Club. Penned by the US based engineer Dr Rajen Barua, the book is an outcome of serious research works for decades, where the history of Buddhism in the region from 600 BC to 1600 AD has been described with notable facts. A periodical for translated literary works named Saneki was also inaugurated by academician Manjumala Das in presence of publishers Abani M. Sarma & Ranjit Gogoi, journalists Nava Thakuria & Ankur Ranjan Changmai along with a number of distinguished personalities.
Caught in a barrage of criticism, forest minister Pramila Rani Brahma has blamed NDFB for repeated rhino poaching incidents in the state. Virtually expressing utter helplessness, she said that it was not possible for the government to check the rhino poaching incidents where the rebels strike the national parks at regular intervals to smuggle rhinos at Vietnam.
Peasant leader Akhil Gogoi has strongly thrashed Dr Ranoj Pegu a day after the Mishing leader agreed to contest the upcoming Dhemaji by polls with BJP ticket. Addressing a press conference in Guwahati on Monday, KMSS leader Akhil Gogoi said Dr Pegu has betrayed the Mishing people who have been reposing faith on him for years. “Dr Pegu joined BJP contrary to what his fans want. Isn’t he a betrayer?,” said Gogoi. Pegu joined BJP on Saturday and on Sunday BJP announced his name as the party candidate for the upcoming Dhemaji bypolls slated for April 9
The BJP led Assam Government has come in for sharp criticism in the run up to the Namami Festival which peasant leader Akhil Gogoi called an attempt to saffronize the river Brahmaputra. Addressing a press conference in Guwahati on Monday, the KMSS leader said the festival never matches Assam, its people and culture. “The festival is nothing but an attempt to do politics over the mighty river which is the lifeline of Assamese culture and tradition,” said Akhil Gogoi. He said that after politicizing Sankardev and Lachit Barphukan, now BJP was trying to politicize the Brahmaputra.
Assam additional chief secretary VB Pyarelal on Tuesday will conduct the hearing of the Silapothar clash where a section of rally participants representing a Bangla-speaking organization ransacked a local AASU office a couple of days back. The hearing will take place at the Silapothar Gaon Panchayat office from 10.30 in the morning to find out the details of the incident where at least ten local youths sustained injury. Police have arrested at least 25 in this connection while identified as Soobodh Biswas, the main culprit is still absconding.
AGP central leadership is facing no less ire in Dhemaji for striking alliance with BJP in the upcoming assembly by polls slated for April 9. A section of party leaders in the tribal dominated district has been demanding a consensus candidate to contest the polls if the regional party fails to withdraw the alliance. Despite repeated requested and appeal, the central leadership has left the seat to BJP who is allowing tribal leader Dr Ranoj Pegu to contest. Two days back, the district party leaders held a talks at Ambari where the leadership refused to read them and allowed BJP to contest. The by poll was necessitated after Pradan Baruah was elected to the Lok Sabha when Sarbananda Sonowal...
Youth for Humanity, a Guwahati based non governmental organisation organised a free health check up programme in association with Chikitsa, a health centre and Kalyan Charitable Trust at Kalyan Bhawan in Ganeshguri on 19th March, Sunday. It was organised a part of Youth for Humanity’s free health check up camps for the needy and poor in the society. The health camp was attended by Dr Ashok Krishna Bhuyan, Endocrinologist; Dr Amitava Misra, Cardiologist and Dr Sushil Agarwalla, Psychiatrist apart from other para medics staff. More than 100 people attended the free health camp and took service provided by the doctors and other staff. Youth for Humanity has been conducting free health...
Security forces apprehended a cadre of NDFB from Kashiabari under Gossaigaon PS in Kokrajhar district today. The cadre Anil alias Deepjyoti Narzary. A Chinese grande was recovered from him.
Add new comment