The NFHS‑6 was fielded in two phases (May 28, 2023 – Feb 26, 2024 and Feb 7, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024) by 27 Field Agencies, covering 6,79,238 households, 716,397 women and 100,977 men. While the survey gathered extensive information, several crucial modules – especially those on the COVID‑19 impact and child mortality – were omitted from the publicly released factsheets issued by the MoHFW.
Key Developments
- Seven specific COVID‑19 questions were asked, ranging from household infections to hospitalisation and out‑of‑pocket expenses.
- The official death toll reported by the government stands at 5,33,849, whereas international agencies estimate the figure to be at least four times higher.
- New topics such as migration status, digital literacy and hepatitis B/C awareness were added, while direct HIV/AIDS queries were re‑phrased.
- Critical mortality indicators – IMR, NMR and U5MR – were excluded from the NFHS‑6 factsheets, unlike the previous NFHS‑5.
- Sanitation data and fuel‑use information (relevant to PMUY) were collected but not published.
- The foreword by Health Minister J.P. Nadda emphasised that NFHS‑6 estimates will help track flagship programmes, yet the missing parameters limit policy assessment.
Important Facts
NFHS‑5 presented 131 parameters, whereas NFHS‑6 released only 101 parameters, with just 46 covering children, childbirth and women. The omission of IMR, NMR and U5MR removes a vital gauge of child health progress. Similarly, the lack of sanitation and adult‑literacy data hampers evaluation of Swachh Bharat and education initiatives.
UPSC Relevance
Understanding the gaps in NFHS‑6 is essential for GS 3 (Health, Economy) and GS 4 (Ethics, Social Justice) questions. The survey’s design, conducted by the IIPS, reflects how data‑driven policy is formulated. Missing mortality and sanitation indicators limit the ability to assess the effectiveness of programmes like PMUY or the National Health Mission.
Way Forward
- Stakeholders should demand the release of the withheld COVID‑19 and mortality modules to enable comprehensive impact analysis.
- Future NFHS rounds must ensure transparency by publishing all collected parameters, especially those linked to health outcomes.
- Researchers and policymakers need to engage with the IIPS to clarify data‑sharing protocols.
- Integrating sanitation, fuel‑use and adult‑literacy data will strengthen monitoring of cross‑sectoral initiatives.
Until the missing data is disclosed, assessments of the COVID‑19 economic burden and child health trends will remain incomplete, affecting evidence‑based decision‑making at the centre and state levels.