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.
TINSUKIA: After a brief halt, gunfight erupts in Assam where ULFA(I) rebels killed a police officer at an encounter in Tinsukia district on Friday where five other policemen sustained serious injury. Two rebels are also killed in the gunfight which still is going on with grenade and bullets in two places along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border. The one hour long fierce fighting took place in the evening at Kujupathar area in Bardumsa where local police station officer in charge Bhaskar Kalita succumbed to bullet injuries. Acting on a tip off, army, police and para military forces launched a combing operation in search of a group of ULFA (I) rebel in the afternoon where Kalita...
The Civil Society Alliance – Assam, a solidarity group committed to the cause of promoting and defending indigenous peoples’ rights for peace, justice and equality is expressing to voice its deep concern regarding the proposed financing development model of privatizing the historical monuments of Ahom Kingdoms of Sivasagar district and kaziranga National Park of Assam being crafted through the ambitious ‘adopt a heritage’ in the state. CSAA believe that this kind of aggressive project pose greater challenge to sustainable and people-oriented development which institutionalize the private control over the resources and divert the government attention from addressing the...
GUWAHATI: The much-hyped scheme to roll out red carpet to a section of private player to maintain Kaziranga along with three Ahom era monuments triggers no less protest across the state leaving the BJP-led government red faced. No sooner had the Centre announced the move to hand over the maintenance of the national park, historic Rong Ghar, Kareng Ghar and the Shiv temple in Sivasagar to a private travel agency, than major opposition political parties and influential organizations to hit the streets to exercise restraint. If somebody stages sit somewhere to take on the government, somebody is holding press conference. These are in addition to the tradition protest rally and burning...
GUWAHATI: After a brief spell, Guwahati had a narrow escape from a devastating explosion when security forces seized a powerful bomb from a bus in the city. Acting on a tip off, the security forces raided a bus carrying 44 passengers in Basistha where the crude bomb was seized. Later, it was defused in Khanapara.
DUDHNOI: Sensation grips Goalpara town as local residents discovered some black flags fluttering on a tree beside the river Brahmaputra before being seized by police. Local resident told www.assamtimes.org over telephone that suddenly many people spotted the flags on the huge tree and brought it to the notice of the police. They said every piece of flags inscribed with the words IS NE triggering the speculations of a widening tentacle of Islamic terror group. Police investigation is going on to ascertain the circumstances and efforts are on to nab the persons in question.
GUWAHATI: In a bizarre incident that triggers statewide protest, a senior police officer working in the outskirt of Guwahati city has been arrested on a rape charge. He is none other than VC Das, the officer in charge of Ramdiya Police station in Kamrup district who was arrested on Wednesday after an initial enquiry by a panel of police officers. A team comprising two Deputy Superintendents of police completed an initial departmental enquiry after the received of a formal complaint by the victim very recently.
Kokrajhar:: A huge saplings plantation drive was organised at Abhayakuti along the Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary near Jhornagra forest area in Kokrajhar district on Sunday.The drive saw huge participation from forest department official,NGOs and local villagers from the greater Jhornagara area to make green Bodoland/green Assam in the area.The plantation drive was carried out jointly by BTC tourism department,Forest department in association with Daokharaja NGO,Owabari and Jwngthimathi NGO,Kokrajhar. Over 5000 saplings from various varieties were planted along the Chakrashila wildlife near Jhornagra and the drive will continure till three months beginning from Sunday(April 29) to make...
DIPHU: The police in Diphu have booked a prisoner four days after he raped a women at the Karbi Anglong Central Jail premises triggering anger and shock across the hills district. According to FIR, the life term prisoner raped the wife of a jail guard as she was alone at the quarters at the jail premises on April 24. The victim, herself, moved the police for action who is set to face action very soon.
Kokrajhar: BPF top guns hunkered down in Kokeajhar on Friday a day after the cabinet expansion where the leaders were not happy for taking away forest portfolio from Pramilarani Brahma. Chaired by BPF chief Hagrama Mohilary at Bathou complex the meeting discussed the future course of action where all top leaders including Pramila Rani Brahma, Rihan Daimary,Rajya Sabha MP Biswajit Daimary attended. Mohilary said that BPF party was satisfied with ministry allotment to the BPF leaders during the Cabinet expansion that took place on Thursday. He has claimed that his party was working to the welfare of the common masses.He said that BTC administration is holding Bwisagu...
Kokrajhar: Kokrajhar police arrested an arms smuggler from Salmara ares of Bongaigaon district on Thursday.Based on a specific input, late night, Kokrajhar Police team led by Punamjit Nath, deputy SP(P) and SI Latuk Das conducted search operation in Salmara police outpost area under Abhayapuri PS, Bongaigaon district and apprehended veteran arms manufacturer & supplier.The arrested was identified as Sumil Sangma( 55) of Saupara (Salmara) in Bongaigaon district. During search of his house, two handmade guns, arms manufacturing tools etc. were recovered.Reportedly, Sumil Sangma is also involved in trafficking girls to Delhi from various parts of the State.Further investigation is...
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