Kerala tops states in overall health performance, UP worst
Kerala performed the best among India's large states on health index as determined by the NITI Aayog. It was followed by Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. The worst performer among the 21 large states was UP, though it was among the top three in annual incremental performance. Rajasthan, Bihar and Odisha also performed poorly. Manipur led among small states, followed by Manipur and Goa.
Index based on health outcomes, governance and processes
The NITI Aayog developed the health index in collaboration with the World Bank and issued ranks in three categories: large states, small states and union territories. In the latter, Lakshadweep topped the list in both overall and annual incremental performance. The composite index was based on indicators in three domains: health outcomes (70% weightage), governance and information (12%), and key inputs and processes (18%).
States that showed more incremental progress
Jharkhand, J&K and UP (larger states), and Manipur and Goa (smaller states) showed the most incremental performance. The gains were indicated by improvements in neonatal and under-five mortality rate, immunization coverage, institutional deliveries, and more. The report noted that states starting at lower scores tended to show bigger incremental progress, while those with high index scores at the beginning struggled to maintain their levels.
Plan is to name and shame the worst performers: Kant
The next health report on states' performance will be released in June, said NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant. In it, 730 district hospitals would be ranked too. "We want to encourage the good performers and name and shame those who don't (do well)," he said.
