Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge stated on Thursday that NFHS-6 data has exposed what he called the BJP’s shortcomings in healthcare and nutrition. He accused the government of failing women and children while using a pattern of selective data release, neglect of vulnerable groups, promotional messaging, narrative control and protection of the prime minister’s image.
Kharge posted on social media that the administration not only fails to deliver on health and nutrition but also conceals information that highlights its shortcomings. He cited figures showing one in five children experiencing acute malnutrition, one-third of children underweight, over 84 percent of children aged six to 23 months lacking adequate nutrition, 57 percent of women aged 15 to 49 being anaemic and one in five women undernourished.
The NFHS-6 survey, carried out in 2023-24 by the Health Ministry with the International Institute for Population Sciences as the lead agency, covered nearly 6.79 lakh households in 715 districts. It tracks population, health, nutrition and family welfare indicators to guide local programmes.
The ministry reported notable gains in child health measures such as immunisation rates and nutritional status, along with continued progress toward full immunisation coverage.
