On Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) – Making health our top priority in 2024

Source: This post on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) has been created based on the article “Making health our top priority in 2024” published in “The Hindu” on 28^th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Social Justice – Issues relating to health.

News: The article discusses the alarming trend of NCDs in India. It also highlights the steps that can be taken by individuals to lead a healthier life and prevent NCDs.

The alarming trend of non-elderly dying from heart-related issues is marking a paradigm shift in India’s disease burden. While communicable diseases persist as a significant threat, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases have emerged as the predominant public health concern.

What is the status of NCDs in India?

According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report titled ‘Invisible Numbers’, a staggering 66% of deaths in India in 2019 were attributed to NCDs.

India has 101 million diabetics and 136 million with prediabetes. Cardiovascular diseases top the mortality charts, and cancer incidence is projected to rise by 57.5% by 2040.

NCDs also pose a substantial economic burden. According to WEF, India could incur a staggering cost of $4.58 trillion between 2012 and 2030 due to NCDs and mental health conditions.

What are the causes?

1) The silent epidemic of NCDs is fuelled by common behavioural risk factors — unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, the use of tobacco and alcohol — which are all on the rise in India.

2) This epidemic is further spurred by factors including a genetic predisposition towards conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

3) A sedentary lifestyle which brings with it issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression.

What steps have been taken by the govt?

Government has launched initiatives such as:

1. National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke.
2. 75/25 initiative (screening and providing standard of care for 75 million individuals with hypertension and diabetes by 2025)

What should be done by individuals to prevent NCDs?

First, integrating more natural movement into our daily lives. For instance, walking where possible instead of taking a vehicle. This can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen our bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance.

Second, choosing ‘slow food’ over fast food. This includes food that is prepared with the ingredients that are right for us.

Third, getting comprehensive health check-ups done regularly.

Fourth, making health a dinner table and water cooler conversation. For e.g. asking colleagues and loved ones what they did for their health.

The power to transform the nation lies in the daily choices of its citizens, reflecting a profound understanding that the well-being of individuals directly impacts the well-being of society.

Question for practice:

NCDs are emerging as a rising health concern for India. What are the causes for this rise in NCDs? What steps can be taken by individuals to curb NCDs?