Why in news?
- 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.
- Stunting (height-for-age ratio), Wasting ((weight-for-height).
Source: The Hindu, BusinessLine
