Kerala, with composite score of 82.2 out of 100, has emerged as the best performer for the fourth consecutive year among large states on NITI Aayog’s Annual Health Index. The ranks are based on performance of states and Union Territories for 2019-20 on 24 key indicators.
Data is collected online through a portal maintained by NITI on agreed indicators. The data is then validated through an independent validation agency selected through a transparent bidding process.
Jammu and Kashmir lies in the bottom of the list among UTs in terms of performance. However it has emerged as the leading performer in terms of incremental performance along with New Delhi. In incremental performance, J&K is ranked at number second position with a score of 9.55. In J&K, most of the indicators are in the improved/most improved/fully achieved category so far as the Incremental Performance from the Base Year (2018-19) to Reference Year (2019-20) is concerned.
The Health & Medical Education Department said a “robust and acceptable” mechanism is used for measuring performance by NITI Aayog.
The importance of this annual tool is reemphasized by MoHFW’s decision to link the index to incentives under the National Health Mission. This has been instrumental in shifting the focus from budget spending and inputs to outputs and outcomes.
As per the report, the health index comprises three domains –health outcomes, governance and information, and key inputs and processes. In terms of overall health performance, the J&K has moved one position up and is categorized as an aspirant and has substantial scope for improvement, the NITI Aayog statement added.
It is important to note that the lowest-ranked states on the index are also the poorest in the country, with the lowest per capita income, lowest per capita GDP and lowest Human Development Index scores. At the same time state like Odisha has shown that change is possible with a focused approach. The state has shown improvement on all indices in recent decades. The other states and UTs should make changes if they are serious about changing the lot of people.
The Health Index makes the important point that some States and Union Territories are doing better on health and well-being despite lower economic output, while others are not improving upon high standards.
It is to be noted that local governments now have greater capital at their command, and, in partnership with the government of India, they should use the funds to transform health care for the better.
