India Focuses on Comprehensive Care to Combat Non-Communicable Diseases: Nadda
News Synopsis
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda underscored the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India, stating that nearly 60 per cent of deaths in the country are now associated with such conditions. Speaking at the Civil Services Day celebrations in New Delhi, Nadda emphasized the need for a comprehensive and integrated healthcare approach.
India’s Growing NCD Burden Calls for Urgent Action
Addressing a session titled “Addressing Non-Communicable Diseases in India: From Preventive to Care,” Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda stressed that India must evolve from a prevention-focused model to a more holistic system that includes early detection, treatment, and long-term care.
Massive Screening Drive and Healthcare Expansion
Large-Scale Disease Detection Initiatives
The government has significantly scaled up screening efforts over the past several years. Since 2017:
- Over 41.5 crore individuals have been screened for hypertension
- 41.3 crore people have undergone diabetes screening
- Oral cancer screenings have reached 35.3 crore individuals
- Breast cancer screenings have covered 16.5 crore people
These figures highlight India’s push towards early diagnosis, which is crucial in reducing mortality and complications associated with chronic illnesses.
Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure
Nadda also pointed to rapid expansion in healthcare infrastructure. India now has 880 medical colleges and 23 AIIMS institutions, reflecting a major boost in medical education and specialized care capacity. Additionally, the government has allocated ₹64,000 crore to bridge gaps between primary and secondary healthcare systems, ensuring better accessibility and continuity of care.
Focus on Preventive Healthcare and Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle Risks Behind 70% of NCDs
The minister highlighted that nearly 70 per cent of NCD risk factors are linked to lifestyle choices, including poor diet, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and stress. This has prompted the government to intensify preventive healthcare initiatives.
Key Government Campaigns
Flagship programs such as:
are aimed at encouraging healthier eating habits and increased physical activity among citizens. These initiatives play a critical role in reducing long-term disease risks.
Role of Digital Health and Telemedicine
Expanding Access Through Technology
Digital healthcare has emerged as a key pillar in India’s strategy. The eSanjeevani platform has facilitated over 46.4 crore consultations, significantly improving healthcare access, especially in rural and remote areas.
Telemedicine has helped bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers, reducing travel costs and ensuring timely medical advice.
Multi-Pronged Strategy to Tackle NCDs
Government Emphasises Behavioural Change
Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted the importance of a multi-dimensional approach involving prevention, behavioural change, and community participation.
She raised concerns over rising obesity levels, citing NFHS-5 data, which shows that 24 per cent of women and 23 per cent of men in India are overweight or obese. These trends underline the urgent need for dietary reforms and increased physical activity.
Awareness Campaigns and Community Engagement
The government is also promoting awareness through initiatives such as:
- “75×25” campaign
- Swasth Nari, Sashakt Pariwar Abhiyan
- School and workplace wellness programmes
These initiatives aim to foster a culture of health consciousness and preventive care across different sections of society.
Experts Stress Early Detection and Sustained Efforts
Health experts at the session emphasized that early screening and consistent preventive measures are key to reducing the long-term burden of NCDs. They noted that while India has made significant progress in expanding healthcare access, sustained efforts are required to ensure long-term health outcomes.
With the rise of conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, experts believe that integrating preventive strategies with advanced treatment options will be critical.
Conclusion
India’s shift toward a holistic healthcare model marks a significant step in addressing the growing challenge of non-communicable diseases. With nearly 60 per cent of deaths linked to NCDs, the government’s focus on early screening, infrastructure development, lifestyle interventions, and digital health solutions reflects a comprehensive strategy.
Initiatives like Eat Right India, Fit India Movement, and eSanjeevani demonstrate how policy, technology, and public participation can work together to improve health outcomes.
However, rising obesity levels and lifestyle-related risks highlight the need for sustained awareness and behavioural change. Moving forward, a balanced approach combining prevention, early detection, and effective treatment will be essential to reduce the long-term disease burden and build a healthier nation.
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