Non-communicable Diseases in India

Syllabus: GS2/Health

Context

• Three decades ago, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were rare in the villages; however, today, low- and middle-income countries confront an NCD burden that has spread from cities to villages.

Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs)

• NCDs also known as chronic diseases, tend to be of long duration and are the result of a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioural factors.
• The main types of NCDs are cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma) and diabetes.
• The major NCDs share four behavioral risk factors: unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and use of tobacco and alcohol. 
• NCDs including heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and chronic lung disease, are collectively responsible for 74% of all deaths worldwide.
  • They disproportionately affect people in low- and middle-income countries, where nearly three quarters of global NCD deaths occur.

NCDs in India

• NCDs account for 60% of all deaths in India. 
• Cardiovascular diseases (coronary heart disease, stroke, and hypertension) contribute to 45% of all NCD deaths followed by chronic respiratory disease (22 %), cancers (12 %) and diabetes (3%). 
• Tobacco use has been identified as the single largest risk factor attributable to NCDs. 
• Approximately one in four Indians faces the risk of dying from an NCD before reaching the age of 70. 

Why NCDs Are Rising in India?

• Unhealthy Diets: Shift towards processed, high-fat, high-sugar, and low-fibre foods.
• Physical Inactivity: Sedentary lifestyle due to urbanisation and digitalisation.
• Substance Use: Increased tobacco and alcohol consumption, especially among youth.
• Environmental Factors: Air pollution is a major contributor to chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
• Lack of Preventive Healthcare: Weak emphasis on preventive care in public health system.
  • Low levels of awareness, screening, and early detection of NCDs.
• Double Burden of Disease: India faces both communicable diseases and NCDs, stretching already limited health infrastructure.
• Socioeconomic Inequality: Poor and marginalised populations have limited access to quality healthcare, healthy food, and education.
  • NCDs are rising even among the low-income groups due to nutrition transition and lack of awareness.

Concern of High NCDs Burden

• Epidemiological Transition: India is witnessing a shift from communicable to non-communicable diseases, even in rural areas.
  • Many regions face both infectious diseases and rising NCDs.
• Economic and Social Impact: High out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) for long-term treatment.
  • Affects productivity, especially among the working-age population.
  • Pushes many households into poverty due to prolonged healthcare costs.
• Health System Challenges: Primary healthcare is traditionally focused on maternal-child and infectious diseases.
  • There is inadequate screening, poor awareness, and lack of trained workforce for chronic disease management.

Steps Taken by Government of India to Prevent NCDs

• National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) 2010: Government of India provides technical and financial support to the States/UTs under the programme as part of National Health Mission (NHM).
• Screening under NHM: A population-based initiative for prevention, control and screening for common NCDs.
  • Persons more than 30 years of age are targeted for their screening for the three common cancers i.e oral, breast and cervical. 
  • Screening of these common cancers is an integral part of service delivery under Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres.
• Awareness Programmes: Other initiatives for increasing public awareness about Cancer and for promotion of healthy lifestyle includes observation of National Cancer Awareness Day & World Cancer Day.
• Fit India Movement: It is implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and various Yoga related activities are carried out by the Ministry of AYUSH. 
• Eat Right India Movement: Led by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
  • Promotes healthy eating habits, reduction in trans fats, salt, and sugar intake.
• Regulatory Measures: Ban on e-cigarettes (2019).
  • Front-of-pack labelling and restrictions on junk food near schools under FSSAI guidelines.

Way Forward

• Strengthen primary healthcare for early screening and continuous management.
• Promote lifestyle interventions: Physical activity, healthy diet, anti-tobacco campaigns.
• Increase public financing for NCDs.
• Use digital health tools and telemedicine to expand reach.
• Multi-sectoral approach involving urban planning, food systems, education, and environment.

Source: DTE