India is observing a significant shift in its health landscape. According to a report by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), titled “India: Health of the Nation’s States”, the contribution of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) to the country’s total mortality rate has increased substantially. In 1990, NCDs were responsible for 37.9% of all deaths; by 2016, this figure had jumped to 61.8%.
Prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases
Diabetes, hypertension, and various types of cancers are among the most common NCDs on the rise in India. Key precursors to these conditions include aging, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and being overweight.
States such as Kerala, Goa, and Tamil Nadu have experienced an epidemiological transition, with a decrease in deaths due to communicable, maternal, neonatal, and nutritional diseases. This decline has led to a higher percentage of deaths caused by NCDs in these regions.
Epidemiologic Transition and its Implications
Epidemiologic transition refers to the process by which the pattern of mortality shifts from high infant and child death rates towards man-made and degenerative diseases that primarily affect the elderly. Factors like smoking are often associated with this transition.
Although public health is primarily a State’s concern, the Central Government supports the efforts of individual States.
Initiatives by the Central Government
The Central Government is implementing multiple initiatives to counter the rise of NCDs in India. Under the National Health Mission (NHM), they have launched the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS). It focuses on promoting healthy lifestyles, conducting opportunistic screenings, and arranging necessary follow-ups for individuals 30 years and older.
Central Government also plans to strengthen tertiary care cancer facilities through a targeted scheme to establish State Cancer Institutes (SCI) and Tertiary Care Centres (TCCC). These will enhance our ability to treat and manage cancer across the country.
<table>
<tr>
<th>Programme</th>
<th>Objective</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS)</td>
<td>Health promotion and opportunistic screening for NCDs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Strengthening of Tertiary Care Cancer Facilities Scheme</td>
<td>Setting up of SCIs and TCCCs</td>
</tr>
</table>
Making Healthcare Affordable
To enhance accessibility to affordable healthcare, programmes like Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) Deendayal have been implemented. This initiative has helped in opening 159 outlets at various institutions and hospitals to offer discounted prices for Cancer and Cardiovascular disease drugs and implants.
Additionally, the Department of Pharmaceuticals has established Jan Aushadhi stores that provide generic medicines at lower costs. This aligned, multi-faceted approach aims to combat the rising tide of non-communicable diseases and ensure health equity across the nation.