Context: NCDs can strike early; health risks rise post-menopause, says report

Source: The Hindu

According to Apollo Hospitals’ Health of the Nation 2025 study, non-communicable diseases frequently start early, sometimes even in childhood or adolescence. The results also revealed a considerable increase in diabetes, obesity, fatty liver, and hypertension, indicating heightened health risks for women after menopause.

According to the findings, obesity rates increased with age: 28% of college students were overweight, compared to 8% of elementary school pupils. According to the survey, 2% of college students had excessive blood glucose levels, while 9% of high school students and 19% of college students are pre-hypertensive.

According to the report, diabetes rates increased from 14% before menopause to 40% after, highlighting trends in women’s health and the effects of menopause. The incidence of fatty liver increased from 54% to 70%, while obesity rates increased dramatically from 76% to 86%. Between 15% and 40% more people had hypertension. Now known as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease, fatty liver is primarily caused by obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol rather than just alcohol.

Model Question:

The rising burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) poses a significant threat to India’s health systems and economic productivity.” Discuss the key challenges in combating NCDs in India and suggest a multi-sectoral approach to address them.

Model Answer:

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases are now the leading cause of mortality in India, accounting for nearly 65% of all deaths (as per WHO and MoHFW). The burden of NCDs threatens not just public health, but also socio-economic development.

Challenges in Combating NCDs in India:

1. Lifestyle and Behavioral Risk Factors: Poor diet, physical inactivity, tobacco and alcohol use are widespread. Rising urbanization and sedentary jobs contribute to unhealthy lifestyles.
2. Low Awareness and Screening: Lack of early diagnosis and preventive check-ups. NCDs often remain undetected until complications arise.
3. Health Infrastructure Limitations: Primary healthcare in rural areas lacks trained personnel and diagnostic tools. Limited access to affordable long-term care and medications.
4. Policy and Implementation Gaps: Fragmented efforts across ministries and poor implementation of existing programs. Inadequate focus on mental health and newer NCDs like kidney disease.
5. Socio-economic Determinants: NCDs affect the poor more due to high out-of-pocket expenses and lower access to care. Urban slums face both communicable and non-communicable burdens.

Multi-sectoral Approach to Address NCDs:

1. Health Sector: Strengthen the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS). Integrate NCD care at Health & Wellness Centres under Ayushman Bharat.
2. Education Sector: Promote lifestyle education and nutrition awareness in school curricula.
3. Urban Planning and Transport: Encourage walkable cities, cycling infrastructure, and access to recreation.
4. Food and Agriculture Policies: Promote healthy eating, regulate salt, sugar, and trans fats.
5. Private Sector Engagement: Public-private partnerships for diagnostics, digital health tools, and awareness campaigns.
6. Community Participation: Use of ASHAs, local NGOs, and self-help groups to spread awareness and monitor high-risk individuals.

Tackling NCDs requires a “whole-of-government” and “whole-of-society” approach. With robust policy implementation, preventive care, and multi-sector coordination, India can not only curb the NCD burden but also enhance the overall productivity and well-being of its population.