Health and nutrition: malls and theaters open after corona, but anganwadis are still closed
You may find it strange to compare Gujarat and Bihar, but this is an interesting aspect in the results of the recently released National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5). Those who monitor health and nutrition issues are eagerly awaiting the results of this survey. Since 1992, NFHS has been the most reliable formula for health and nutrition-related indicators. Results of ten major states were released from NFHS-5 (2019-20) in December. In many ways, the picture that emerges is not encouraging.
In 2020, no one needs to explain the importance of health and nutrition in our lives. Corona has taught this lesson. In the world's imagination, America was considered a model because of its so-called richness. But, America and other countries like it are all bare in the hammam of Corona. America has the highest number of corona deaths in the world.
Some of the same conditions are seen in Gujarat's NFHS-5. A section has tried to show Gujarat as a model. The definition of development is not clear to the commentators. In his view, growth means limited GDP growth, not per capita GDP. Therefore, the emphasis is on the economy of $ 5 trillion. If it is concentrated in the hands of only 100 people, what will the rest of the countrymen get from such an achievement?
An even bigger mistake is stopping at GDP. To forget what is the importance of health, nutrition and education in a good life. The result of NFHS-5 gives us information about the quality of life of the people. American model weaknesses emerged from Corona, the Gujarat model in NFHS-5.
It is interesting to compare Bihar and Gujarat in this context. Out of 127 indicators where results can be divided into better or worse. Gujarat outperformed Bihar on 81 of them. For example, public health services are better in Gujarat, institutional deliveries are available to all, and infant mortality is lower.
Despite this, Gujarat and Bihar are similar on many indicators. For example, the proportion of children with malnutrition or anemia (complete anemia), complete vaccination rates, women with low BMI. Bihar is better on many indicators of the status of women. There more women have the right to property or to use mobile phones themselves. Anemia in children under five is an indication of the time to come. Gujarati children are behind Bihari children in that.
A comparison of Bihar and Gujarat suggests that Gujarat may be a model state by any criteria, but it is not a model for the quality of life for women and children.
Despite economic growth, why do we see so little progress on these indicators? Anganwadi provides timely health and nutritional services (such as vaccination, nutritious food) for women and children. Only 0.1% of GDP is spent on children's schemes (Anganwadi or Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana). There is a big reason for the problem of skirmish in the budget. Paperwork interrupts differently.
Institutions such as the government and UNICEF are raising corporate funds from Bill and Melinda Gates (BMGF). Corporate money increases the availability of resources, but who will spend the money? For example, 70% of the government's nutrition campaign was spent on software and smartphones made by BMGF. This expenditure was not incurred on eggs and anganwadi workers, whose benefits are believed to be fixed.
We need a model in which children are given priority, not GDP. How many children are asked in the country, it is clear that after the corona lockdown, malls and cinema opened, but there is no discussion about opening of Anganwadis.
(These are the author's own views)
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