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.
BJP has fielded prominent tribal leader Dr Ranoj Pegu in the upcoming Assembly by polls in Dhemaji slated fir April 9. Pegu, who joined the saffron party only on Saturday is pitted against Babul Sonowal from Congress. Both Sonowal and Pegu are expected to file nominations on Monday. Peru's name was cleared on Friday when senior BJP leaders met in Guwahati. Earlier Pegu agreed to join BJP on condition that hr must be allowed to contest the polls. On Saturday Pegu joined BJP at a brief ceremony in Dhemaji
With an aim to promote low cost oral & dental treatment, a dental clinic at the Panbazar (near RBI) locality was launched on 18 March 2017. Siddhartha Bhattacharjee, legislator from East Guwahati constituency officially inaugurated the Institute of Dental Science and Research Center in presence of distinguished personalities J. Bora, Ashim Hazarika, Nava Thakuria etc. Addressing the gathering the local MLA congratulated Dr Deep Sharma for the initiative and expressed hope that it would be beneficial for all kinds of people. He also assured possible supports for the institution in future. The centre has an emergency helpline number (98642 72102), where anyone in need can call and get...
As many as 15 books were released on the second day of the ongoing International Book fair cum literary festival, cultural exchange, food festival being held held at Bagduar Nwgwr, Bijni in Chirang district on Friday.The international event has been coincided with the celebration of 33rd foundation day of the Bodo Writers' Academy, an organization of Bodo writers in the state of Assam. Several book stalls from different parts of the the country,apart from state,including National Book Trust(NBT),Tripura,West Bengal are participated in the event.Bijay Baglary,president of the academy hoisted flag in the morning followed floral homage to martyrs on the occasion by Rajen Basumatary,vice...
The Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad threatens to go all out against NHPC if it proceeds to resume the construction of the mega dam at Gerukamukh along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border.AJYCP leaders and workers in Dhemaji hit the streets on Friday in protest against the recent resolution of the Assam Assembly clearing the decks for the mega dam construction.Talking to Assam Times, the protestors, who burnt NHPC effigy said never they would allow the mega dam to see the light of the day.They further thrashed the Sarbananda Sonowal government alleging that the government with the help of the opposition parties have allowed the NHPC to resume the work which remained defunct for the...
Despite unprecedented measures rhino poaching refuses to die down in Assam putting in BJP-led government in a fix. Poachers in Orang sanctuary have killed a rhino yo take away the horn in a couple days back. The incident took place bear the Picholamukh forest camp where the poachers were believed to have struck and the carcass was spotted on Friday morning. It came to light two days after three poachers in Kaziranga were believed to have died when their vehicle collided it's head at a moving bus at Baihata Chariali in the outskirt if the city.
A two year old video clip showing conversation of Union home minister Rajnath Singh with NBBUSS president Soobodh Biswas on Assam’s illegal settlers seems to have created no less controversy across the state. Biswas, the most wanted in the Silapothar clash alleged untold misery of the Hindu Bangladeshi immigrants in Assam. He apprised Rajnath Singh, who was flanked by Nitin Gadkari of the inhuman torture inflicted on the Hindu immigrants by the Assam government inside the detention camp. But the allegations were totally brushed aside by the then government. This has once again proved Biswas’ close association with the NDA government at the Centre.
ULFA (I) on Thursday vowed to continue it's good relation with CORCOM rebels in Manipur suggesting more joint strike in the two north eastern states.In a joint statement released to mark ULFA (I)’s Army Day, chairman Abhijeet Asom and commander in chief Paresh Baruah said the people belonging to both the states are united.The duo said that the Operation Barak launched with the help of CORECOM put the army chief in flutter forcing him to rush to Tepur.The statement suggested ULFS(I)’s joint armed struggle and strike with CoreCom for the days to come.
With a day long protest across the state on Thursday, the Asom Gana Parishad in rank and file have shown that even after being a coalition partner, the regional party will oppose the move to grant citizenship to the illegal Hindu settlers.Party leaders and workers in the district and sub divisional headquarters thronged in large number and staged protest against the amendment of the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955.The AGP leaders further slammed the BJP-led government for the failure to nab Soobodh Biswas, the main culprit behind the Silapothar clash where a section of protestirs ransacked a local AASU office.
Dhemaji police have extracted many vital clues suggesting the safe escape of Soobodh Biswas, the main culprit behind the Silapothar clash where some a local AASU office was vandalized last week.These sensational revelations surfaced when police interrogated a person who confessed to have helped the NBBUSS president escape from Silapothar hours after the clash.He revealed before the police how he ferried Biswas at a boat on the river on March 10.Delhi, Nagpur, West Bengal police are on alert in view of the incident where the main culprit could be hiding.
Bijni Bagduar Nwgwr is all set to host the international book fair cum literary festival, cultural exchange, food festival and trade fair beginning from Thursday with week-long colorful programmes in Chirang district.All kinds of preparations have completed so far to hold the event with smooth manner. The international event has been coincided with the celebration of 33rd foundation day of the Bodo Writers' Academy, an organization of Bodo writers in the state of Assam. Over 100 book stalls from different parts of the the country,apart from state,including National Book Trust(NBT) are participating in the event.The celebration will be beginning tomorrow with inauguration of book fair,...
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