According to a recent Lancet report, India's health map shows a concerning trend: the country's mortality rate from chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) increased between 2010 and 2019. With heart disease, diabetes, and strokes predominating, the increase was particularly greater among women over 40. In women, the rate went from 46.7 per cent in 2001 to 48.7 per cent in 2019. Men too experienced an increase, although it was less noticeable compared to women.
Public health experts warn that this trend is being driven by changes in lifestyle, an ageing population, and unequal access to treatment. According to the report, in order to reduce the rising incidence of NCDs, India must quadruple its efforts in prevention, early detection, and better healthcare delivery.
However, the trend was the opposite on a global scale. Between 2010 and 2019, non-communicable disease mortality decreased in almost 80 per cent of countries, which house over 70 per cent of the world's population. Experts credit this global drop to stronger health systems, early detection, and easier access to treatment—all of which India has not yet surpassed.
Diabetes and heart disease continue to be the leading causes of India's rising NCD mortality rate. Another important issue is chronic renal disease, which is frequently linked to diabetes. In addition, illnesses like lung cancer and stroke continue to claim lives at a startling rate. According to the survey, the number of lifestyle-related health issues is rising.
Experts blame this on a variety of factors, including social circumstances that tend to push women's healthcare to the back burner, delayed diagnosis, and limited access to preventive treatment. The rise is being caused by unhealthy eating habits, insufficient exercise, and a lack of awareness about preventive care. Experts believe that the numbers will continue to rise if nothing is done.
Changes in lifestyle, including dietary habits and stress at work, may also be a factor. Conversely, men have only demonstrated a slight rise in risk, which can be partially attributed to more thorough detection and treatment in certain aspects of healthcare.
India must act quickly to buck this trend. Important steps include stronger public health regulations, early screening initiatives, and increased funding for rural healthcare facilities. Large-scale public awareness programs are also required to encourage people to have regular checkups for diseases including diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Additionally, the study raises concerns about the quality of India's health data, which researchers describe as ‘very low.’ This suggests that the problem's true scope may be far greater than previously thought, underscoring the necessity of enhancing health surveillance systems.