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.
TEZPUR: Amid an escalating acrimony across the nation over sexual crimes, yet another incident sends huge shock and anger in Assam where a minor girl was raped and killed in Biswanath on Tuesday. The incident took place in Balichang where Shiv Kumar, a local resident of Diring killed a 12 year old girl. Before killing, he allegedly raped the minor on Monday. But the entire incident came to light only on Tuesday and acting on a formal complaint the police have arrested the accused who is being interrogated. On the other hand, hours after the incident came to light, local residents in large number stormed into the Balichang police station premises demanding capital punishment of the...
GUWAHATI: Yet another gruesome gangrape incident strikes Assam hardly a month after the Nagaon one where unidentified miscreants dumped a gangraped girl in the city of Guwahati sending huge shock and anger across the state on Monday. Passersby in Gorchuk area in the city rescued the girl in critical condition near Lachitgarh HS School in the morning. The girl who bears multiple injury marks in her body is battling with death in the Gauhati Medical College since she was admitted by the police. The parpetrators were believed to have dumped her on the road side after they gangraped her. “We are trying to ascertain her identity. She is undergoing treatment and we have started the...
Kokrajhar: Bwisagu is being celebrated in Kokrajhar like Rongali Bihu in other parts of the state with huge pomp and festive mood on Sunday. Bodo people worshiped the almighty Bwrai Bathou (Lord Shiva) on the first day Bwisagu month seeking His divine welfare and integrity for all sections of communities in the state. The All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) organised an Open Bwisagu festival at KDSA ground in Kokrajhar. People from all walks of life participated with Kham, Shifung, Jotha, Serja and sung Bwisagu song that showcase dance with great enthusiasm moment which created amusement as well dancing environment to welcome Assamese new year(1425).Dressed with Aronai, Gamcha, Dokhona...
Kokrajhar: Baukhungri turned into a sea of people where men and women, young and old alike tried to scale the 'Baukhungri Hills’ on the Sankranti,a day before Bwisagu or Bihu celebration across the state on Saturday. The sixth Baukhungri festival was concluded with four-day colourful programme scheduled here at Harinaguri, 10km east of Kokrajhar town along the Baukhungri Hill in Kokrajhar district on Saturday. The Bodos traditionally celebrate the festival as Baukhungri Hajw Gakhwnai (climbing of Baukhungri Hill) on the last day of Choitra month (April 14) that is Sankranti. The festival gathers its attraction and availing of different enjoyment, apart from adventure sports like...
ITANAGAR: A Catholic bishop from Arunachal Pradesh received the Bharat Gaurav Award at a ceremony in UK on Friday fetching huge glory for the north east. He is none other than Bishop (Dr.) George Palliparambil of Miao diocese in East Arunachal, who is the first Catholic Bishop to have received this award. “This award felicitates people with extraordinary excellence in their fields and make India proud,” says Pt. Suresh Mishra President of Sanskriti Yuva Sanstha an NGO working with the vision of promoting Indian culture and society.Mr Mishra added, “Bharat Gaurav Award is lifetime achievement award where Indian people from all over the world who achieve a landmark in their...
Kokrajhar: Amid much fanfare and extravaganza the Sikh people in BTAD areas joined the Baisakhi festival at Patharghat Amala Bhawan with on Saturday with day long programme marking the advent of spring. The utsov was organized by 12th Battalion of Sikh Light Infantry regiment of Indian army based at Patharghat in Kokrajhar.The Sikh Light Infantry battalion has been recent moved to Patharghat Kokrajhar and consists of courageous Sikh soldiers hailing from Punjab. "Baisakhi" is the harvest festival of the Sikhs and also marks the birth of the Khalsa panth as established by the Tenth Guru of the Sikhs - Guru Gobind Singh.Huge Sikh religion follower and devotees,apart from army...
Kokrajhar: A sudden shortage of Indian Postal Order (IPO) has been causing immense inconvenience for many people in Kokrajhar also along with many other places. Hundreds of people were seen waiting in queue in front of the post offices for IPO required for many official and personal purposes. The worst affected are the job applicants since the last date is nearing. “We are disappointed. We have been waiting for IPO since morning. But of no avail. The post office falls short of IPOs,” said a citizen in Kokrajhar. Meanwhile, the officials admitted virtually that they have not received adequate number of IPOs to meet the people.
KOHIMA: The Naga People’s Front has alleged brazen favouritism of the PDA Government in Nagaland and vehemently condemned the shameless act of depriving the villagers their due share of funds from the Centre. NPF-led DAN Government under former Chief Minister, TR Zeliang ensured the release of Rs. 285 Crs under MNREGA by Government of India, but the same could not be released to the Village Development Boards due to Election Model Code of Conduct. The Opposition party said Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio has misused the Central Fund by deducting high percentage instead of disbursing it to the VDBs for development. To add to the sorry state of affairs, the new Principal Secretary of RD, Abeio...
KOKRAJHAR: Uttar Pradesh's Yagendra Kumar (men's) of Uttar Pradesh awarded first prize and Shameli Singh of Raniganj, West Bengal got first prize(ladies) in the Hills Trekking race competition being organized in connection with the ongoing 6th Baukhungri festival in Kokrajhar on Thursday. The Baukhungri festival entered second day on Thursday which saw huge thronging on the day with different colourful programme scheduled. Nearly 100 participants participated from different states of the country, apart from Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal, Nagaland, Tripura, Manipur, Orrisa and districts of Assam state in the Hills Trekking competition being organized in connection...
GUWAHATI: A one day Counselling programme was organized by “PRAYASH, Beyond the boundaries: Xikim aru Xikam” of Nabajyoti College, Kalgachia on 10th April, in collaboration with “Helpline Foundation”, Kalgachia on “Career Counselling and Entrepreneurship Development Path”. Dr Shahjahan Ali Ahmed, Principal of Nabajyoti College presided over the programme and he extended warm welcome to the participants and spoke on the importance of career development. Merina Ahmed, Co-ordinator of PRAYASH, has highlighted the objectives of the programme followed by the felicitation of the invited guests by Panchalee Baishya. Mr Ranjan Kumar Baruah, Career Mentor and Motivational Speaker, was...
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