Delhi shows best incremental performance in Health Index among UTs
Delhi shows best incremental performance in Health Index among UTs
NITI Aayog released 4th Health Index
New Delhi, Dec. 27 (Delhi Crown): Delhi stood first among the Union Territories in terms of best incremental performance in health index, according to the Fourth Edition of State Health Index released by the NITI Aayog.
The report has been developed with technical assistance from the World Bank, in close consultation with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
The State Health Index is annual tool to assess the performance of states and UTs. It is a weighted composite index based on 24 indicators grouped under the domains of ‘Health Outcomes’, ‘Governance and Information’, and ‘Key Inputs/Processes’.
Each domain has been assigned weights based on its importance with higher score for outcome indicators.
On overall ranking based on the composite index score in 2019–20, the top-ranking states were Kerala and Tamil Nadu among the ‘Larger States’, Mizoram and Tripura among the ‘Smaller States’, and DH&DD and Chandigarh among the UTs.
A robust and acceptable mechanism is used for measuring performance. 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.
The validated data sheets are shared with the states for verification, followed by video conferences with the states for resolving any disagreements or disputes. The final sheets thus settled are shared with the states, and after agreement, the data is finalized and used for analysis and report-writing.
“States are beginning to take cognizance of indices such as the State Health Index and use them in their policymaking and resource allocation. This report is an example of both competitive and cooperative federalism,” said NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Dr Rajiv Kumar.
The Index is being compiled and published since 2017. It aims to nudge states/UTs towards building robust health systems and improving service delivery.
The importance of this annual tool is reemphasized by MoHFW’s decision to link the Health Index to incentives under National Health Mission. This has been instrumental in shifting the focus from budget spending and inputs to outputs and outcomes.
