IN NEWS: Kerala ranks 4th in NITI Aayog Health Index; Gujarat tops SDG-3 ranking
Introduction
In the latest SDG India Index (2023–24) released by NITI Aayog, Kerala has been ranked 4th in SDG-3 (Good Health & Wellbeing), while Gujarat secured the top position. Despite historically strong health indicators, Kerala’s ranking reflects emerging challenges in immunisation, institutional deliveries, and new health parameters.
ANALYSIS
Overall Ranking – SDG 3 (Health Index)
- 1st: Gujarat (Score: 90)
- 2nd: Maharashtra (84)
- 3rd: Uttarakhand (84)
- 4th: Kerala (80) (shared with Karnataka)
- Next: Himachal Pradesh (83)
- Lowest performers:
- Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh (56)
- UTs:
- Delhi (1st – 93), Chandigarh (2nd – 89)
Implication:
- Indicates shift in health leadership from Kerala to western states
- Reflects dynamic nature of SDG-based evaluation
Kerala’s Performance Trend
- 2018 (1st Edition): Rank 1 (Score 92)
- 2019–20: Rank 1 (Score 82)
- 2020–21: Dropped to 12th (Score 72)
- 2023–24: Improved to 4th (Score 80)
Implication:
- Shows initial leadership → decline → partial recovery
- Reflects impact of new indicators and emerging health challenges
Key Strengths of Kerala
Kerala continues to perform strongly in core health indicators:
- Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR)
- Under-5 Mortality Rate
- HIV incidence
- Life expectancy
- Health worker density
Implication:
- Maintains strong public health infrastructure
- Reflects long-term investments in human development
Major Reasons for Decline in Ranking
1. Decline in Immunisation
- Vaccination rate dropped from 92% → 85.40% (2023–24)
2. Institutional Deliveries Decline
- Reduced slightly from 99.90% → 99.85%
3. Impact of New Indicators
- Suicide Rate:
- Increased to 28.50 per lakh (much higher than national avg 12.4)
- Accident Death Rate:
- 12.10 per lakh (above target level)
- Out-of-Pocket Expenditure:
Implication:
- Highlights non-traditional health challenges
- Indicates shift from basic healthcare → lifestyle & mental health issues
Role of Social Factors
- Rise in:
- Anti-vaccination sentiment
- Preference for home deliveries
- Causes:
- Misinformation via social media
- Changing societal attitudes
Implication:
- Demonstrates importance of public awareness & behavioural change policies
Composite Index Performance
- Kerala continues to rank 1st in overall SDG composite index
- Indicates:
- Strong performance across multiple development sectors
Governance & Policy Insight
- SDG-3 evaluates 11 indicators
- Emphasizes:
- Preventive + curative healthcare
- Mental health & financial protection
- Reflects transition from:
- Basic healthcare success → advanced health system challenges
STATIC PART
- Index Name: SDG India Index (SDG-3: Good Health & Wellbeing)
- Published By: NITI Aayog
- Framework: Based on 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Indicators in SDG-3: 11 indicators
- First Edition: 2018
- Top State (Latest): Gujarat
- Kerala Status: 4th rank (2023–24), Top in Composite Index
Updated - 10 July 2025 ; 08:02 AM | News Source: The New Indian Express