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.
In yet another incident that sends shockwaves across Meghalaya border, 3 people were burnt alive when an oil tanker exploded on Tuesday. The incident took place in Ri Bhoi district in the afternoon where the Shillong bound oil tanker from Shillong overturned before exploding with a huge sound.
The Dhemaji district administration has relaxed curfew in the restive Silapathar area for a couple of hours. According to information, curfew would be in force from dusk to down. It was imposed in the aftermath of the violence were a local AASU was vandalized by some NBBUSS activists last week. The senior administrative officials have been in touch with AASU and AJYCP to restore normalcy in the area.
Despite counter insurgency operations, ULFA(I) rebels have been moving without any hindrance in many parts of the state. Security forces claimed to have held 3 dreaded hardcore ULFA (I) rebels in Sadiya bordering on Tuesday. The trio including a lady cadre were arrested when army, police an para military forces conducted joint operation in the Amarpur area. Interrogation is going on.
Yet another poacher succumbed to his injuries on the way to the Gauhati Medical College Hospital on Tuesday.Immediately after the accident local resident in Baihata Chariali rushed him to Guwahati for treatment but he wad declared brought dead.Two others died on the spot when the Guwahati bound Alto car carrying four rhino poachers along with a horn, rifle, weapon and brown sugar collided it's head on a bus which was coming from the opposition direction.With this, the number of casualty has gone up to three where another seriously injured poacher has been battling with death at the Gauhati Medical College Hospital.
Okram Ibobi Singh finally put in his paper as Manipur chief minister. The three time chief minister, who refused to resign claiming number till afternoon on Monday, called on Governor Najma Heptulla and tendered his resignation.This has paved the way for T Biren Singh to take oath as new chief minister on Wednesday. Singh along with senior BJP leaders Himanta Biswa Sarma and Prakash Javadekar met Governor on Tuesday morning where she agreed to hold the oath taking ceremony.Ibobi Singh agreed to quit after nine of the 28 new legislators remained absent from the CLP meeting in Imphal on Monday afternoon. Five of them are believed yo have been camping at Taj Vivanta Hotel in Guwahati.
Two rhino poachers were killed and two others sustained serious injury when the car carrying them to Guwahati collided it's head on s bus in the outskirt of the city on Tuesday morning.The accident too place early in the morning at Baihata Chariali where two persons were killed on the spot. The local residents' in large number thronged the spot and extricated two bodies from the mangled vehicle.Then they found a blood stained rhino horn along with a rifle, sharp weapon and some brown sugar packets'.The injured people who were shifted after the accident have been battling for life at the hospital. Police have already reached the hospital to quiz the duo.They were believed to have...
Veteran BJP leader Nongthombam Biren Singh will take oath as Manipur Chief Minister on Tuesday. The newly elected party legislators met in Imphal on Monday where Singh emerged as the consensus leader. BJP leaders Himanta Biswa Sarma, Ram Madhab also attended the meeting along with other party leaders. Singh is expected to take the oath along with his colleagues from Governor Nazma Heptulla whom BJP leaders met on Sunday and staked claims to form the government. In a related development, Okram Ibobi Singh is resigning as chief minister on Monday after ten party legislators did not attend the CLP meeting in Imphal.
Taj Vivanta, the name of a five star hotel in Guwahati has suddenly turned into a hub of political activities of Manipur. At least five newly elected Congress MLAs have been camping in the hotel to talk to top BJP leaders to join the saffron party. They arrived in Guwahati as soon as Congress legislature party leader Okram Ibobi Singh convened a meeting to stake claim to form the government. But out of 28, only 15 new legislators attended the meeting where the chief minister decided to resign. On Sunday one of the Congress legislators left the party to join BJP and rushed to governor Nazma Heptulla along with the BJP counterparts. He is believed to have personally written to the BJP...
The Asom Gana Parishad will stage statewide demonstration on Thursday opposing the move to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955 reiterating that the amendment would make Assam an abode of Bangladeshis. Talking to Assam Times, senior AGP leaders said never they will allow the BJP-led government to welcome the Hindu Bangladeshi nationals. AGP in rank and file will stage dharna from 10 in the morning at district and sub divisional headquarters raising the demands. “We are form on our demands. The illegal settlers irrespective of religion must be detected and deported. The Assam Accord must be implemented in letter and spirit,” said a senior leader.
Security forces have busted a bomb manufacturing factory in Barpera district on Sunday giving the people no less sigh of relief. Acting on some confidential inputs, army jawans and Barpeta police conducted a joint raid at a house in the wee hours where explosive materials were seized. A person was arrested who is charged of manufacturing explosive materials. Interrogation is going on.
Add new comment