NFHS-6 Facts: Missing Data Explained

Sources from India's Union health ministry have clarified recent media reports concerning the absence of certain indicators in the National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6) factsheets. These factsheets represent the initial dissemination stage, focusing on 101 major indicators for a concise overview of critical health and demographic trends.

Officials emphasized that indicators cited as 'missing' are already monitored through specialized national systems and administrative databases, such as Swachh Survekshan Grameen and the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation's surveys, making their inclusion in the factsheets redundant. Established systems like the Sample Registration System and Civil Registration System continue to generate mortality and population data.

Regarding anaemia estimates, the ministry stated that haemoglobin testing was not performed in NFHS-6 due to concerns with capillary blood sampling methods. Instead, these estimates will be derived from the Indian Council of Medical Research's Diet and Biomarkers Survey, which employs superior venous blood sampling for greater accuracy. This decision aims to enhance data quality.

Far from reducing coverage, NFHS-6 has incorporated new indicators like elderly population share, financial inclusion, and expanded breastfeeding indicators into the factsheets. Additional details on family planning, child health, women's health, and HIV will be presented in the forthcoming comprehensive national report, currently being prepared with expert consultations.