Gist of Editorials: Scoring on Health | GS – II


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.


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