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.
GUWAHATI: Assam Times Journalist and conservation activist Mubina Akhtar received the award of Excellence in Journalism, 2018 for her relentless contribution to the field of Environmental Reporting from the State Social Justice Commission at a function in the city organized to mark the International Women's Day. Ten women from the state were awarded for their contributions in their respective fields. The award comprised a citation, a memento, phoolam gamocha and a japi. Akhtar started her career as a journalist in the 90's and dedicated herself to the field of environment reporting. Her long 22 years of career as a environmental journalist, she has written thousands of...
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PRASENJIT SAHA AGARTALA: Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Deb suspended three PWD officers alleging sub standard road works. Deb took the drastic step when he came to see the road work as he was visiting Dhalai district. He was said to have list his cool as he reached Gandacherra.He got tougher with the officers and suspended the trio including the one who certified the works. He said,”I will institute a probe into it. But for the time being they need to be suspended.”
Kokrajhar,Mar 13: Security forces apprehended three rebels belonging to the National Sathali Liberation Army (NSLA) from Gossaigaon area in Kokrajhar district on Tuesday. The trio were arrested during a joint operation of police and army at Kentanpara near Gossaigaon in the wee hours. They are identified as Dipak Hembrom, Binoy Hemvrom and Sivastian Soren.A pistol,magazine,five rounds live bullets and some objectionale documents recovered from them.The arrested cadres were involved with extortion, anti social activities in the area.
GUWAHATI: The CID team probing the loan scam in the Punjab National Bank in Guwahati arrested four persons including a bank officer on Tuesday. Identified as Bharat Singh, DK Chaudhury, Anil Tiwary and PK Bhuyan, they were arrested at the end of a five hour ling interrogation on Monday night. Many sensational revelations are believed to have surfaced during the custodial interrogation which begin after a local court in Guwahati reminded them to police custody.
GUWAHATI:Normal lives in many parts remains heavily disrupted when a few tribal bodies enforced a 12 hour statewide bandh on Tuesday raising a slew of demands. Roads remained deserted as vehicles are not plying. Schools and colleges, shops and markets, banks and offices have remained closed under impact of the bandh. Bandh supporters in some places tried to enforce the call by burning tyres on the road to stop the movement of vehicles on the road forcing the security forces. The tribal bodies demand early recruitment in the backlog posts and revival of the HPC Mill in Jagiroad apart from measures to check flood and erosion in the state. The bandh is total in Namrup, Sivas agar, Jorhat,...
KOHIMA: The NDPP-led Nagaland government is facing floor test in the special assembly session on Tuesday a week after Neiphu Rio along with 11 others were sworn in. Before that the new members of the House will take oath and affirmation from the pro tem Speaker and the new Speaker would be elected on Wednesday. Governor PB Acharya had earlier asked the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to prove his majority on the floor of the House by March 15. The newly formed Progressive Democratic Alliance Government has 18 NDPP, 12 BJP, 1 JD(U) and 1 Independent MLAs. After a recess of eight days the session will resume on March 22.
KOHIMA: An NIA letter to TR Zeliang triggers no less controversy across Nagaland on Monday just a day before the NDPP-led coalition government's floor test. NPF leader and former chief minister admits to have received two letters in the wee hours from NIA asking him to appear before the investigation agency on Tuesday at the New Delhi based office at 10 in the morning. But, Zeliang, claimed to have received two NIA summons from the office of the Chief Minister. In a statement Zeliang disclosed that the summon was served through Fax no 0370-2244042 which, in fact, belongs to the Chief Minister’s Residential Office 15 minutes past midnight on March 12. He received yet another...
GUWAHATI: For the first time in the history of Assam, the state government tabled an e-budget for 2018-19 in the assembly on Monday. Finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tabled the budget, doling out many promises a couple of months before the state rural body polls. In his speech presenting the Rs 2149.04 cr deficit budget, Sarma promised three new bridges over the Brahmaputra apart from three more medical colleges not to speak of the 5,000 HS toppers who would get scooty in this fiscal. Sarma further proposed 10 law colleges in addition to 9 women law colleges and 10 B.ED colleges. In a bid to promote sports, the government has proposed a sports university in Dibrugarh, said Sarma...
RIMA VUSHUM AIAZWL: Finally the Centre steps in to mend the widening differences between Assam and Mizoram amid an escalating tension along the inter state border. The home ministry has asked both the north eastern state to ensure peace along the border area a week after a group of Mizo students clashed with Assam Police. In an order, the Centre has asked for reports from both Dispur and Aiazwl detailing about the incidents along woit the measures to defuse the tension. Both the states have put in place a mammoth security along the border to avert any clash in the area.
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