Brief Context
Context Three decades ago, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were rare in the villages; however, today, low- and middle-income countries confront an NCD burden that has spread from cities to villages. Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) NCDs also known as chronic diseases, tend to be of long duration and are the result of a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioural factors. The main types of NCDs are cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chro
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Syllabus: GS2/Health
Context
- Three decades ago, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were rare in the villages; however, today, low- and middle-income countries confront an NCD burden that has spread from cities to villages.
Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs)
- NCDs also known as chronic diseases, tend to be of long duration and are the result of a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioural factors.
- The main types of NCDs are cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma) and diabetes.
- The major NCDs share four behavioral risk factors: unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and use of tobacco and alcohol.
- NCDs including heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and chronic lung disease, are collectively responsible for 74% of all deaths worldwide.
- They disproportionately affect people in low- and middle-income countries, where nearly three quarters of global NCD deaths occur.
NCDs in India
- NCDs account for 60% of all deaths in India.
- Cardiovascular diseases (coronary heart disease, stroke, and hypertension) contribute to 45% of all NCD deaths followed by chronic respiratory disease (22 %), cancers (12 %) and diabetes (3%).
- Tobacco use has been identified as the single largest risk factor attributable to NCDs.
- Approximately one in four Indians faces the risk of dying from an NCD before reaching the age of 70.
Why NCDs Are Rising in India?
- Unhealthy Diets: Shift towards processed, high-fat, high-sugar, and low-fibre foods.
- Physical Inactivity: Sedentary lifestyle due to urbanisation and digitalisation.
- Substance Use: Increased tobacco and alcohol consumption, especially among youth.
- Environmental Factors: Air pollution is a major contributor to chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
- Lack of Preventive Healthcare: Weak emphasis on preventive care in public health system.
- Low levels of awareness, screening, and early detection of NCDs.
- Double Burden of Disease: India faces both communicable diseases and NCDs, stretching already limited health infrastructure.
- Socioeconomic Inequality: Poor and marginalised populations have limited access to quality healthcare, healthy food, and education.
- NCDs are rising even among the low-income groups due to nutrition transition and lack of awareness.
Concern of High NCDs Burden
- Epidemiological Transition: India is witnessing a shift from communicable to non-communicable diseases, even in rural areas.
- Many regions face both infectious diseases and rising NCDs.
- Economic and Social Impact: High out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) for long-term treatment.
- Affects productivity, especially among the working-age population.
- Pushes many households into poverty due to prolonged healthcare costs.
- Health System Challenges: Primary healthcare is traditionally focused on maternal-child and infectious diseases.
- There is inadequate screening, poor awareness, and lack of trained workforce for chronic disease management.
Steps Taken by Government of India to Prevent NCDs
- National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) 2010: Government of India provides technical and financial support to the States/UTs under the programme as part of National Health Mission (NHM).
- Screening under NHM: A population-based initiative for prevention, control and screening for common NCDs.
- Persons more than 30 years of age are targeted for their screening for the three common cancers i.e oral, breast and cervical.
- Screening of these common cancers is an integral part of service delivery under Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres.
- Awareness Programmes: Other initiatives for increasing public awareness about Cancer and for promotion of healthy lifestyle includes observation of National Cancer Awareness Day & World Cancer Day.
- Fit India Movement: It is implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and various Yoga related activities are carried out by the Ministry of AYUSH.
- Eat Right India Movement: Led by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
- Promotes healthy eating habits, reduction in trans fats, salt, and sugar intake.
- Regulatory Measures: Ban on e-cigarettes (2019).
- Front-of-pack labelling and restrictions on junk food near schools under FSSAI guidelines.
Way Forward
- Strengthen primary healthcare for early screening and continuous management.
- Promote lifestyle interventions: Physical activity, healthy diet, anti-tobacco campaigns.
- Increase public financing for NCDs.
- Use digital health tools and telemedicine to expand reach.
- Multi-sectoral approach involving urban planning, food systems, education, and environment.
Source: DTE