State Health Index of NITI Aayog

NITI Aayog released the fourth State Health Index on 27th December 2021. It is an annual tool to assess the performance of states and UTs in the health metrics. It is based on 24 indicators grouped under the domains of ‘Health Outcomes’, ‘Governance and Information’, and ‘Key Inputs/Processes’. To ensure comparison among similar entities, the ranking is categorized as ‘Larger States’, ‘Smaller States’ and ‘Union Territories’.

Key Outcomes

A. Overall Performance

  • Larger States: In overall performance, Kerala and Tamil Nadu occupied the first and second ranks. Telangana emerged as the third best performer, while Uttar Pradesh was at the lowest.
  • Union Territories: Dadar and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu and Chandigarh secured first and second ranks respectively, while Andaman and Nicobar Islands was at the bottom.
  • Smaller States: Mizoram and Tripura were ranked at first two and Nagaland at the bottom.

B. Incremental Performance

  • Larger States: In terms of annual incremental performance, Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Telangana were the top three ranking states. Karnataka was at the bottom.
  • Smaller States: Mizoram and Meghalaya registered the maximum annual incremental progress, while Goa was at the bottom.
  • Union Territories: Delhi, followed by Jammu and Kashmir, showed the best incremental performance. Chandigarh was at the bottom.

Significance of State Health Index

  • It is a useful tool to measure and compare the overall performance and incremental performance across states and UTs, as it seeks to nudge the states and UTs to shift the focus from inputs and outputs to outcomes.
  • The Ministry of Health has linked the Index to incentives under the National Health Mission (NHM). It has resulted in shifting the focus from budget spends, inputs and outputs to outcomes. It has strengthened the culture of use of data at the state/UT level to monitor their performance.

Related Content