National family health survey 2005-06 released by Ministry of Health revealed true colors of India. 50% of Indian women still lack proper care during pregnancy and delivery. This survey was conducted on 0.12 million Indian women (15-49 age group) and 74,369 men (15-54 age group).
Positive findings in the health survey:
1. Infant mortality rate is decreased (68 per 1000 births).
2. Family planning especially among women is on rise and fertility is down.
3. Southern states are showing vast improvement in health care.
4. Contraception use is improving along with rise in average marriage age.
5. Institutional births are rising but only 30% of women are receiving post-natal care.
6. Indian parents are recommending moral and sex education in schools especially women.
Negative findings:
1. Malnutrition and anemia are common among Indian children.
2. Domestic violence is increasing despite rise in female education.
3. No improvement in child immunization (only 42%).
4. Obesity in women is rising especially among urban women.
5. Indian parents are still showing preference to girls due to dowry problem.
6. 40% of women experienced sexual violence in their lives.
7. Only 30% of women received antenatal care. Absence of lady doctors in rural areas is a major concern.
8. Disparity in urban and rural health care is growing as most doctors are not willing to work in rural areas.
9. DIarrhoea is still a major health problem in India.
10. 70% of Indian children are anemic due to poor economic standards.
This survey highlighted growing disparity among rich and poor Indians in receiving proper health care. Government need to allocate more budget to health care.
