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.
JORHAT: Eight people died and around 10 others have been battling with death at hospital after consuming spurious liquor in Jorhat district on Friday.
The incident took place in Turung and Gorajan villages where a group of villagers allegedly consumed illicit liquor prepared in two houses in both the villages.
According to reports, hours after consumption they complained of stomach ache and started vomitting and were rushed to the Jorhat Medical College Hospital where they died.
Local residents alleged that despite repeated complaints the excuse officials have not been firmly dealing with these traders.
Paying tributes to one of Assam’s most honoured author, editor, journalist and film makers Dr Bhabendra Nath Saikia on is 87th birthday, Shishu Sahitya Uttaran organized an endearing function at Guwahati Press Club on 20 February 2019.
With various programs relating to the children, two books in Assamese were also released at the function, where senior journalist DN Chakrabarty and top administrative officer VB Pyarelal graced the occasion.
The function was also addressed by journalist Nava Thakuria, author of ‘Jonakat Jilika Phul’ Dr Jagadindra Raichoudhury, writer of ‘Akanir Padya Sofura’ Dipankar Deka etc. A number of young essay writers were also awarded in the function.
“Conservation of wetlands plays a vital role in ecosystem and vegetation development. The wetlands of Kaziranga support spectacular concentration of wildlife like the Great One-horned Rhino, Water Buffalo, Eastern Swamp Deer and various species of migratory and resident birds, fishes and reptiles. Grave consequences for wildlife have been associated with shrinking of wetlands.” said Prasanna Baruah, senior scientific officer of Assam Remote Sensing Application Centre while speaking on the “status of wetlands in Kaziranga National Park: a geospatial analysis” during a conclave held in the Convention Centre of Kaziranga on Monday. “Erosion, siltation, shallowing of wetlands, invasion of tall...
A three-week long international course on applied environmental education concluded with a brief graduation ceremony held in Indian Institute of Bank Management, Guwahati on Sunday. The programme was organised by North East’s leading nature conservation and research organisation ‘Aaranyak’ in association with Environment Education and Conservation Global (EECG), USA and Satpuda Foundation (India). The programme was attended by Dr. L.R. Bishnoy, IPS, Additional DGP of Assam Police, A.K. Johari, PCCF and Member Secretary, Assam State Biodiversity Board; Dr. Sugoto Roy, Coordinator, ITHCP, IUCN, Edward J McCrea, President, EECG and Course Instructor, Dr. Augusto...
Strongly condemning the Pulwama attack, where over 40 soldiers lost their lives, Patriotic People’s Front Assam (PPFA) urges the government to take responsive actions against the terrorists so that they can learn a lesion for life. The forum of nationalists however appealed to the aggrieved nation to be careful on expressing angers as it may be misused by the anti-nationals living inside the country.
Media reports confirmed that Pakistan based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) mentored by dreaded criminal Masood Azhar has already claimed responsibility for the attack in J&K locality, which was carried out by Adil Ahmed Dar, a local suicide bomber. Need not to mention that convincing...
Assam Governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi condemned the deadly suicide attack on security forces in Kashmir’s Pulwama which left many dead and scores of others injured.
In a statement here today, Prof. Mukhi said that the suicide bomber ramming a car packed with explosives into a CRPF convoy on the Jammu-Srinagar highway though an attack on the security, the country stands united to tackle any exigency. He also conveyed his condolences to the death Moneswar Basumatary from Assam’s Tamulpur area along with others and said that the country is pained by the loss of lives of the martyrs and maintained that every conscientious citizens condemn this heinous crime and express their indignation...
Salesian College Sonada celebrated its second World Radio Day (WRD) on Wednesday,13th February 2019. The programme was organized by Radio Salesian 90.8 FM with WRD 2019 theme: Dialogue, tolerance and peace.
The WRD UNESCO event launched in 2011 marks a time when people around the world celebrate radio and how it shapes our lives.
Radio Journalist Bryan who is also HoD Computer Science anchored the hour long program presented by Radio Journalists of Radio Salesian 90.8 FM - Voice of the Hills.
The program consisted of informative talks, video presentation on community radio feedback from listeners in Mirik, Sukhiapokri, Pokriabong, and Sonada, as well as a cultural fusion...
Herds of wild elephants in Assam's Numaligarh will now stroll freely in the Deopahar Reserve Forest, just like they have done for hundreds of years before it was taken away from them by humans, who constructed a wall around the forest. Now the Assam government has issued an order notifying Deopahar in Golaghat district as a Reserve Forest. Though the Assam government had issued the notice on January 19 it became public only recently. The government's notification came on January 19, a day after the Supreme Court rejected the review petition of Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) against a previous decision which upheld a National Green Tribunal (NGT) order to demolish a boundary wall and...
In a move that defies the Supreme Court order, the Meghalaya Government has issued permission again to transport coals in the state. In it modified order, the NPP-led coalition Government permitted coal transportation triggering protest from the opposition parties and organizations. The apex court on January 15 asked the state to ban on coal transportion after the coal-mine tragedy where as many as 20 miners were believed to have trapped inside a flooded mine in East Jaintia District. The government issued order to implement the top court order. But suddenly on Sunday, the government modified the order allowing the transportation of coal.
Add new comment