Kerala has yet again for the second time proved to be the best among large states on overall health performance in NITI Aayog's second edition of 'Healthy States, Progressive India' report.
The second and the third place have been clinched by Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.
On the other hand, Haryana followed by Rajasthan and Jharkhand are the top three states who performed well in terms of incremental performance.
How does the report rank states on incremental performance?
Well, the report ranks states and Union territories in comparison to the last health index. The results are based on states or UTs year-on-year incremental change in health outcomes, as well as, their overall performance with respect to each other.
Meanwhile, Mizoram, Manipur and Meghalaya ranked on top in terms of overall performance amongst the smaller states and Tripura, Manipur, Mizoram topped for improvement in incremental performance.
Among the Union Territories, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Lakshadweep ranked on top in terms of overall performance. Whereas, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Chandigarh and Daman & Diu were the top 3 in incremental performance on the index.
Vice-chairman Niti Aayog Rajeev Kumar, addressing the occasion said, "NITI Aayog is working closely with States to improve their overall performance. Focus is being given to Aspirational Districts of low ranking States on the Health Index, where data on health indicators is regularly being monitored and verified".
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Secretary Preeti Sudan, who was also present at the occasion, said, "Health being a State subject, it is important for Centre to outline priority areas which are in alignment with international concerns. I appreciate the framework developed by NITI Aayog for measuring the state of health through Health Index".
Kumar released the round 2 report in the presence of NITI Aayog member Dr V K Paul, CEO NITI Aayog Amitabh Kant, Union Health Secretary Preeti Sudan and representatives from World Bank.
The report focuses on measuring and highlighting the overall performance and incremental improvement over a two-year period, 2016-17 and 2017-18 in the States and UTs. It takes a comprehensive look at health in terms of Health Outcomes, Governance and Processes and impact of policy interventions.
The report focuses on measuring overall performance and incremental improvement of States and UTs over the FY17 and FY18. The second edition of the report envisions to promote cross-learning between States & UTs, capturing the spirit of Cooperative & Competitive Federalism. The health index is an attempt to bring healthcare to the centre stage of policy making.