Why in the news?
- As per recent report, the non-communicable diseases (NCD) often begin early, sometimes even in childhood or adolescence.
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
- What is it?: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are caused by a confluence of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioral factors.
- Examples: cardiovascular diseases (heart attack, stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (COPD, asthma), diabetes.
- Causes:
- Behavioral factors: unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption.
- Physiological factors: genetic predisposition, overweight/obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol.
- Rising Burden of NCDs:
- Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are now the leading cause of death in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including India, due to an aging population and lifestyle changes.
- In India, NCDs like cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory illnesses, and diabetes account for nearly 50% of all deaths, and NCD mortality is expected to constitute three-quarters of all deaths by 2030.
- Challenges in Addressing NCDs in India:
- India faces challenges with underfunded healthcare, high out-of-pocket expenses, limited health insurance coverage, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure.
- Corruption, lack of healthcare awareness, and logistical issues like high travel costs further exacerbate the problem, particularly for the poor and elderly.
- Role of Social Security and Health Insurance:
- Social security measures, like pensions, help the elderly afford healthcare, though the amounts are often insufficient.
- The Ayushman Bharat Scheme aims to cover 40% of low-income households, but it faces challenges like limited funding, complex eligibility requirements, and corruption in implementation.
- Impact of Lifestyle on NCD Risks:
- Sedentary lifestyles, high-calorie diets, and tobacco and alcohol use contribute to rising NCDs.
- High refined grain and meat consumption increase risks of diabetes and heart disease, especially as the price of fat-dense foods rises.
- Policy Recommendations and Challenges:
- Suggested reforms include stronger regulation of private hospital fees, increasing healthcare funding, stricter enforcement of eligibility for social programs, and taxation on unhealthy products.
- Behavioral changes like reducing tobacco and adopting healthier lifestyles are also crucial, but the implementation of such reforms remains uncertain.
- Importance of Timely Action:
- Delay in addressing these issues risks economic and social costs, including impoverishment of families and missed targets on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3) for health and well-being.