New Delhi, June 6: Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda has sharply criticized Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, claiming his health-related comments are based on incomplete information. On the social media platform ‘X’, Nadda stated that such partial information can create confusion on crucial public health issues. He defended the central government’s initiatives in the health sector by referencing the NFHS-6 data.
In his post on ‘X’, Nadda wrote, “Kharge’s incomplete information is dangerous. The issue of public health is so significant that it cannot be limited to mere political rhetoric. While selective information may serve political ends, the country’s welfare relies on facts.”
The minister highlighted improvements in the health sector by comparing data from NFHS-3 (2005-06) and NFHS-6. According to him, the percentage of women registering in the first trimester of pregnancy has increased from 43.9% to 76.2%. Institutional deliveries have risen from 38.7% to 90.6%, while deliveries conducted under the supervision of skilled health personnel have jumped from 46.6% to 91.3%.
He noted that full vaccination coverage has reached 87.1%, and health insurance coverage has surged from 4.9% to 60.2%. Additionally, the rate of stunting, a key indicator of child malnutrition, has decreased from 48% to 29.3%.
Nadda emphasized that these figures represent not just statistics but the improved health of millions of mothers and children. He also criticized the UPA government’s tenure, labeling it a period of policy failures.
The controversy began with a post from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who alleged that the central government is withholding some data from NFHS-6. He stated, “The Modi government is not only betraying women and children regarding health and nutrition but is also suppressing crucial data.”
Kharge claimed that one in five children suffers from severe malnutrition, one-third of children are underweight, and 84% of children aged 6 to 23 months do not receive adequate nutrition. He also mentioned that 57% of women are affected by anemia, accusing the government of presenting selective data to conceal its failures.
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