India's disease burden shifts to NCDs, now causing nearly two-thirds of DALYs globally, driven by lifestyle, environmental, and demographic factors, impacting health and economic development.

Why in the News?

India's Disease Burden has been shifted to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) according to Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Report.

Findings of the report:

Shift toward NCDs: According to report, NCDs remain the largest contributor to global disease burden, accounting for 1.80 billion global DALYs (Disability-Adjusted Life Years) in 2023, an increase from 1.45 billion in 2010.
- NCDs accounted for nearly two-thirds of global DALYs in 2023. While Infectious diseases have declined due to better healthcare access, immunization, and sanitation.
Leading NCD Causes: The leading Level 3 NCDs globally were ischaemic heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
Fastest Growing NCDs: The largest increases in age-standardized rates since 2010 occurred for anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and diabetes.

Causes of the Rising Burden of Non-communicable Diseases

Epidemiological & Demographic Transition: India is shifting from communicable to lifestyle-related chronic diseases due to urbanization, aging population e.g. growth of tier 1 and 2 cities.
Unhealthy Lifestyle:
- Dietary Changes: Shift from traditional, fiber-rich diets to high-calorie, processed foods with excess fat, salt, and sugar e.g. fast food culture.
- Physical Inactivity: Sedentary lifestyles, mechanized transport, and reduced physical activity (e.g. due to quick delivery apps) increase metabolic and cardiovascular risks.
- Tobacco & Alcohol Use: Rising consumption, particularly among youth and lower socioeconomic groups, contributes to cancers, liver, heart, and metabolic disorders.
Environmental Risk Factors:
- Air Pollution (Indoor & Outdoor): High PM2.5 exposure from industry, fossil fuels, and biomass burning causes chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases e.g. Cities like Delhi.
Biological Risk Outcomes:
- Overweight/Obesity and Raised Blood Pressure: all resulting from unhealthy lifestyles and environmental exposures.
- Hereditary Predisposition also increases individual vulnerability.
Psychosocial and Mental Health Factors: Stress, urban pressures, job insecurity, and social isolation indirectly worsen NCD risks by promoting unhealthy coping behaviors e.g. FOMO Culture (Social Media).
Socioeconomic Factors: Income growth, urban migration, and educational disparities influence health behaviors, leading to unequal NCD burden across populations. E.g. tobacco use is normal in rural areas.

Impact of Non-communicable Diseases on India

Leading Cause of Death: NCDs account for 63–65% of all deaths in India (2023), with cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory illnesses, and diabetes as major contributors.
Premature Mortality: NCDs contribute significantly to deaths occurring between ages 30–70.
Morbidity & Disability: NCDs cause long-term illness, disability, and dependence, affecting quality of life across urban and rural areas and all socioeconomic groups.
Economic Impact: India may lose USD 4.58 trillion by 2030 due to NCDs and mental health conditions (World Economic Forum).
Strain on Health System: Rising NCD burden increases demand for diagnostic infrastructure, medicines, chronic care, and diverts public expenditure from other development priorities.
Socioeconomic & Developmental Challenges:
- NCDs undermine SDG progress, including health equity, poverty reduction, and gender equality.
- Long-term disabilities reduce labor productivity and exacerbate income inequality.

Steps taken by Government

National Program for Prevention and Control of NCDs (NP-NCD): Strengthens healthcare infrastructure, trains personnel, ensures early diagnosis, and spreads awareness.
Community Screening: Nationwide checks for diabetes, hypertension, and cancers bring care closer to people's homes.
Health Infrastructure: District NCD Clinics, Day Care Centers, Cardiac Care Units, and CHC NCD Clinics improve treatment access.
Lifestyle Promotion: Campaigns like Eat Right India, Fit India Movement, and Yoga initiatives encourage citizens to adopt healthier routines.
GST Reforms: Sin tax on high sugar products like Cold Drinks. (40% Tax Slab)
National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP): Launched in 2007-08 for creating awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption; reducing production, etc.
National Program for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS): Launched in 2010 to combat NCDs.

Way Forward

Health Promotion: Encouraging healthy lifestyles through awareness, diet, exercise, tobacco cessation, and reduced alcohol use.
Early Detection: Screening adults 30+ for diabetes, hypertension, and cancers to ensure timely care.
Healthcare Strengthening: Expanding NCD clinics, critical care, referral services, and training healthcare workers for better management.
Digital Health: Using teleconsultation, digital portals, and data systems for monitoring, decision-making, and remote specialist access, leveraging the National Digital Health Mission.
Leveraging fiscal tools: To reduce risk factors e.g. raising taxes on tobacco, Salt, sugar etc.
Sustainable Financing: Ensuring regular medicines, diagnostics, and funding, aligned with SDG 3.4 to cut premature NCD deaths by one-third by 2030.