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 People’s Party of Arunachal has raised doubts over the sincerity of a section of BJP leaders in Itanagar and Delhi in the probe into the Kalikho Pul’s revelations. Talking to Assam Times in Itanagar, PPA leaders alleged that those named in the Mera Vichaar are still moving without any hindrance. They said,” the BJP leadership have not taken any action against these party men indicted by the former chief minister. Despite evidence the BJP high command keeps mum.” They further charged Prime Minister Narendra Modi with maintaining stoic silence and keeps talking of a corruption-free country. A senior PPA leader rued that if BJP refuses to go tougher they would have no other option to...
The United Liberation Front of Asom (I) has strongly opposed NDFB general secretary who called Chaolung Sukafa and saint Shankardev the enemies of the Bodo people.In a statement the outfit’s central publicity head Arunodoi Asom on Sunday said Sukafa’s immense contribution needs no narration to the formation of the greater Assamese society who wooed the indigenous lots after he and his men arrived in Assam.Same contribution has come from the saint Shankardev who made no less contribution to unite the people of all castes, creeds and beliefs. A single group of people can't help the emergence of a greater community or society.The ULFA-I leader maintained that these comments would only divide...
The toll in Meghalaya road mishap has gone up to seventeen with the report of one more person in the hospital where 40 others are battling to survive at the hospital.The mishap took place in the morning near Nongspung village on West Khasi village when a truck carrying around 80 people to a church rammed into the boundary of a concrete bridge after the driver lost control over his vehicle.The churchgoers, mostly, fell into the deep gorge where 13 people died on the spot. Local residents in large number came out and rushed the injured people to the hospitals with the help of police.Four others succumbed to their injuries in the hospital while 40 others have been undergoing treatment....
Hundreds of activists from All Assam Bengali Youth Students Federation staged economic blockade at Srirampur along 31 C National Highway in protest against kidnapping of Ranjit Dutta, a businessman of Bhawanipur. Dutta was kidnapped by unknown miscreants on Tuesday last in Kokrajhar district. The students federation staged economic blockade with banner, play cards demanded early recovery of Dutta without any delay. Although six days left after kidnapped, yet no any information about has so far reached to the family.
At least 16 people were killed at a tragic road mishap in Meghalaya on Sunday. The accident took place in West Khasi hills district in the morning where all these 16 people were killed on the spot where several others sustained grave injury. Details awaited.
The city based Rahman Hospital conducted the Saturday (25 February) evening OPD clinic at Guwahati Press Club (GPC), where Dr Hemen Ch Goswami & Dr P Rojer Singh (Medicine) checked the health status of over 30 participants and offered free consultations. The member-journalists of GPC along with their dependants also got their weight, blood pressure & sugar checked by nurses namely Momi Begum and Asha Devi. Most of the participants were also provided necessary medicines. Senior physicians Dr Muhammad Liaquat Ali Rahman and Dr MMM Kazi from the acclaimed hospital also graced the camp, where health workers Manab Deka and Nazrul Islam supported the participants in the process of...
In yet another feat by children of Udalguri district a total of 250 trainees of Jwhalao Dwimalu Martial Arts Club of Udalguri scripted records woth their performance at Thana Udalguri club premises recently. The programme was attended by Nur Alom Sarkar executive member of Universal Record Forum (URF) who witnessed the performances of the trainees and their coach Dhaneswar Basumatari and credited them with URF certificates and trophies on the Passion. The 250 trainees on the occasion exhibited five forms of martial arts non-stop in a time span of 25 minutes setting a new world record. On the other hand Jwhalao Dwimslu Wushu Martial Arts Club achieved another feat for voluntarily imparting...
Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to end the economic blockades in Manipur if BJP is voted to power. In his poll rally at West Imphal on Saturday, Modi said the BJP government if allowed to install in Imphal will never allow the blockades to plague the state. He said, "No economic blockade would be allowed if BJP comes to power in Manipur and I can assure you this and that the rights of common people would be ensured.”
Amid a paralyzing shit down call by the rebel outfits Prime minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed a poll rally in Manipur promising to put the north eastern state back on the wheel. In his address at the rally in West Imphal, Modi said that if BJP is voted to power the state would see the light of development within a period of 15 months.Taking a dig at Congress, Modi blamed the ruling party for the present state of affairs and charged the party with ruining the state.He said, "After coming to power in 2014, we came out with 'Act East Policy. Since the last 40 years no PM has came to north-east for NEC meeting. After Morarji Desai I am the only one who visited."...
The Border Security Forces in India keeps its counterparts in Bangladesh to flush out the top north eastern rebels including ULFA(I) deputy commander in chief Drishtri Rajkhowa. Rainbows, the elusive top ULFA-I rebel figured in the recent BSF-BGB conference in Dhaka. According to BSF sources, Rainbows along with other rebels have been trying to cross the border. But an alertness in border has been making it difficult for them to do so. Rainbows is still believed to have been hiding in Bangladesh and keeps changing names and locations to avoid arrest. Same it is in the case of HNLC, NLFT, GNLA leaders, say sources. BSF handed over BGB a list of 20 camps of north eastern rebel camps to...
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