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.
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.
The government has significantly scaled up screening efforts over the past several years. Since 2017:
These figures highlight India’s push towards early diagnosis, which is crucial in reducing mortality and complications associated with chronic illnesses.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The government is also promoting awareness through initiatives such as:
These initiatives aim to foster a culture of health consciousness and preventive care across different sections of society.
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.
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.