India’s Disease Burden Shifts From Infectious to Non-communicable Diseases

Syllabus: GS2/Health

In News

• According to the latest Global Burden of Disease (GBD) report published in The Lancet, Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) now account for nearly two-thirds of global deaths.
  • And, from 1990 to 2023, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have increasingly become the dominant causes of death in India, overtaking infectious diseases.

What are Non-Communicable Diseases?

• Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), or chronic diseases, are long-lasting conditions caused by a mix of genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioural factors. 
• The major types include cardiovascular diseases (e.g., heart attacks, stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (asthma), and diabetes.

Causes of the Shift

• Demographic Transition: Decline in fertility and rise in life expectancy makes ageing population more prone to chronic diseases.
• Urbanisation and Lifestyle Changes: Sedentary lifestyle, high-calorie processed foods, stress, alcohol and tobacco use.
• Environmental Factors: Rising air pollution, chemical exposure, and urban heat islands contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses.
• Socio-economic Development: Shift from communicable disease control to lifestyle-driven diseases — “diseases of affluence.”
• Health System Evolution: Success in immunisation and sanitation reduced infectious diseases — but preventive systems for NCDs lagged.

 Implications

• High mortality : NCDs disproportionately affect people in low- and middle-income countries, where nearly three quarters of global NCD deaths occur.
• Economic burden: NCDs cost India nearly $250 billion in productivity loss annually (WHO estimate). Out-of-pocket health expenditure remains >50%.
• Healthcare system pressure: Chronic disease management requires long-term care, diagnostics, and infrastructure.
• Social Consequences: Middle-aged population are affected which eventually affects working-age demographic dividend.
• Reduced quality of life: NCDs often lead to disability, mental health challenges, and social isolation.
• Global Health Commitments: India’s progress toward SDG-3.4 (reduce premature mortality from NCDs by one-third by 2030) remains slow.

Steps Taken 

• The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) supports screening, diagnosis, and treatment at district and community levels.
• Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres promote preventive care and lifestyle counselling.
• Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana provides affordable medicines for cardiovascular, diabetic, and cancer care.
• Fit India Movement and Eat Right India encourage healthier lifestyles.

Suggestions 

• Experts like Dr. Soumya Swaminathan emphasizes that India’s rapid health transition, driven by delayed industrialisation, urbanisation, and globalisation, has led to an increase in NCDs. 
• With longer life expectancy but higher morbidity, there is now a critical need to prioritise healthy ageing and NCD prevention.
• Controlling NCDs requires reducing their modifiable risk factors through low-cost, effective strategies.
• A comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach involving health, education, finance, and other sectors is essential for prevention and control. 

Sources:IE