The recent National Family Health Survey (NFHS) report has highlighted that economic growth has not transformed positively in regards with health of poor children.
The survey has evaluated the growth among states in the period from 2006-2016.
What are the highlights of the report?
Almost all States have made progress with regard to stunting of children under five.
For the country as a whole there is a decline in stunting rate.
The childhood illness of diarrhoea has increased.
This is indicative of the endemic insanitary conditions and unsafe drinking water prevailing in the country.
The survey numbers on Wasting has raised huge concerns.
Even Kerala, known for its outstanding health attainments, has slipped down in this regard is of serious concern.
Wasting is indicative of poor nutritional status and may be the result of inadequate food intake.
A decline in the percentage coverage of BCG, measles, polio and DPT.
Notable increase in the social sector expenditure in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh compared to other States has yielded returns.
These states have performed better than high growth states like Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.
What do the findings imply?
The report has brought out that appropriate policy choices and social intermediation are more important than mere economic growth.
An increased need for stepping up social sector expenditure.
Quick Facts
Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine is a vaccine primarily used against tuberculosis.
DPT refers to a class of combination vaccines against three infectious diseases diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) and tetanus.
