As the second most populous country in the world, India has a lot of challenges to tackle when it comes to healthcare.
One of the biggest issues is the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases in the country. But how serious is this problem, and how does it affect the daily lives of Indian people?
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the facts and figures related to chronic diseases in India and try to separate the myths from reality.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic diseases account for 60% of all deaths in India. These diseases include diabetes, heart disease, stroke, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancer.
The WHO also estimates that more than 61 million people in India are affected by diabetes, which is the highest number of cases in the world.
Furthermore, a study published in The Lancet in 2018 found that the prevalence of high blood pressure in Indian adults has doubled over the past 25 years, with one in four adults now affected.
Myths
Despite these alarming statistics, there are some common misperceptions about chronic diseases in India that need to be addressed. One of the most persistent myths is that chronic diseases only affect the well-off urban populations in the country.
While it is true that lifestyle factors like unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, and smoking are more prevalent in urban areas, chronic diseases also affect rural communities. For example, the prevalence of diabetes in rural India has increased by over 80% in the last three decades.
Another myth is that chronic diseases only affect older adults in India. In fact, the burden of chronic diseases is increasingly shifting to younger age groups, especially those in their 30s and 40s. This is partly due to the rise in risk factors like obesity, which are more common in younger generations.
Challenges
One of the biggest challenges in addressing chronic diseases in India is the lack of awareness and preventive measures among the population.
Many people in India do not have access to basic healthcare services, such as regular blood pressure and blood glucose screening, which can help detect chronic diseases early on.
Additionally, the high costs of treatment and medication can be a barrier for many people.
In conclusion…
Chronic diseases are a major public health issue in India, affecting millions of people and causing significant economic and social burdens. However, it is important to separate myths from facts when it comes to understanding the prevalence and impact of these diseases.
By raising awareness and taking preventive measures, individuals, communities, and policymakers in India can work together to reduce the burden of chronic diseases and improve the health and well-being of the population.
