Rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India

Source: The post rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India has been created, based on the article “Debating the ‘healthy longevity initiative’” published in “The Hindu” on 13th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health

Context: The article discusses the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India, particularly among the elderly. It highlights the challenges of healthcare access, social security schemes, and the need for policy reforms to address rising healthcare costs and improve NCD prevention and treatment. Non-communicable diseases in India.

For detailed information on Are non-communicable diseases increasing in India? read this article here

What is the Main Concern of the World Bank Report?

1. The World Bank report highlights the increasing number of elderly people globally, especially in Low-and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).
2. It notes a rise in deaths from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) from 61 million in 2023 to a projected 92 million in 2050.
3. The report suggests a “healthy longevity initiative” to reduce deaths and improve health throughout life.

How Serious is the Problem of NCDs in India?

1. In India, NCDs like heart disease, cancer, respiratory problems, and diabetes are leading causes of death, making up almost 50% of all deaths.
2. The rate of NCDs has grown from 40% of all deaths in 1990 to an expected 75% by 2030.
3. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor diet, and lack of physical activity increase the risk of these diseases.

For detailed information on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in India read this article here

What Impact Do Social Security Schemes Have?

1. Social security schemes can help reduce the financial burden of healthcare for the elderly.
2. However, the benefits are limited due to low pensions and high costs related to travel, treatment, and medication.
3. Health insurance schemes like Ayushman Bharat are not fully effective due to funding issues, bureaucratic delays, and corruption.

What are the Challenges in Regulating Healthcare Costs?

1. The Supreme Court (2024) of India has directed the government to regulate hospital rates to prevent overcharging.
2. However, enforcing these regulations is difficult, and the effects are often temporary.
3. A comprehensive approach involving price caps, better enforcement, and behavioral changes, like reducing tobacco use, is necessary to manage healthcare costs and improve public health.

Conclusion

India faces significant challenges in combating NCDs due to aging populations, inadequate healthcare systems, and rising lifestyle risks. Effective policies, better healthcare infrastructure, and awareness campaigns are critical to improving health outcomes and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Question for practice:

Examine the challenges India faces in addressing the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the measures needed to improve health outcomes.