Relevance : GS Paper II
Why has this issue cropped up?
The Health Index 2019 has been released by NITI Aayog recently.
What is NITI Aayog Index?
It is a composite based on 23 indicators such as fertility rate, low birth weight, administrative capability, etc.
Findings of the NITI Aayog Index
- Some States are doing better even with a lower economic output.
- Some are actually slipping in their performance.
- Some states are giving low priority to health.
- Uttar Pradesh has lowest Health Index of 28.61, Kerala has highest score of 74.01.
The issue with healthcare
Several States remain laggards when it comes to creating a primary health care system with well-equipped PHCs as the unit.
Way forward
- Public health must become part of mainstream politics.
- Special attention to shore up primary care in states which are at the bottom of the scale.
- The Health Index should capture dimensions such as non-communicable diseases, infectious diseases and mental health..
Conclusion
State governments, in partnership with the Centre transform primary health care.