India faces a growing crisis of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory illnesses and cancers. NCDs accounted for over 60% of total mortality in 2016, far exceeding communicable diseases. A multi-pronged policy approach is imperative to strengthen preventive and curative interventions.
- Key risk factors driving NCDs are unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco and alcohol consumption. Lack of awareness regarding the same allows preventable conditions to go unchecked.
- Diabetes prevalence has risen from 5.5% in 1990 to 9% in 2016, while cancer cases are projected to increase from 1.1 million to 1.7 million from 2016 to 2035 as per ICMR data.
- NCD treatment costs are catastrophic for low income households, exacerbating poverty and socio-economic inequities.
- Over 80% of out of pocket health expenditure is on NCDs as government insurance schemes focus more on hospitalization. OPD and diagnostics for NCD management need coverage.
A comprehensive response requires coordinated action across levels:
- Mass media campaigns promoting healthy living, balanced diets and regular check-ups for early NCD detection. School health programs also vital.
- Higher excise taxes on tobacco, alcohol and unhealthy ultra-processed foods to reduce consumption. Stricter regulations on their marketing and advertisements.
- Expanding screening programs for common NCDs to PHCs and CHCs equipped with diagnostics and telemedicine facilities for improved surveillance.
- Augmenting NCD care at primary and secondary levels to prevent complications requiring costly hospitalization. Scaling up DM, hypertension control programs.
- Enhancing health insurance coverage to include OPD and diagnostics services along with subsidized medications for financial risk protection.
Addressing the NCD burden requires a whole-of-society approach prioritizing prevention through lifestyle changes and early detection alongside accessible, affordable treatment for vulnerable sections to save lives and alleviate poverty.
