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India needs to prioritise preventive care
- The Hindu |
- Social Issues |
- 2025-01-06
- Non-Communicable Diseases
- Preventive Care
India faces a growing healthcare crisis with rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) burdening both individuals and the system. NCDs now account for 65% of deaths. Preventive care, increased health budget, and tax incentives are proposed to mitigate costs.
India's Healthcare Crisis: Addressing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
India is experiencing a significant healthcare crisis characterized by an increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. This has resulted in a growing financial burden on both individuals and the healthcare system.
Statistics and Current Scenario
- NCDs accounted for approximately 65% of all deaths in 2022, up from about 50% in 2010-13.
- One in four adult men are hypertensive, and one in eight are diabetic.
- Breast, lung, and cervical cancer diagnoses are increasing, with median diagnosis ages occurring earlier than global averages.
Economic Impact
- The Union Budget for 2024 allocated ₹87,657 crore to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, marking a 13% increase from the previous year.
- Household health expenditure still drives nearly 50%+ of the spend, one of the highest globally.
- The World Health Organization projects the economic burden of NCDs in India to surpass ₹280 lakh crore by 2030.
Preventive Measures and Policy Recommendations
Proactive prevention is essential to control healthcare costs and improve health outcomes. Key recommendations include:
- Regular screenings for high-risk individuals to reduce incidence of serious conditions.
- Current health checks in metro cities cost anywhere between ₹8,000 and ₹15,000.
- Tax incentives and subsidised screenings are crucial policy tools.
- The current ₹5,000 tax deduction under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act for health checks needs revision to at least ₹15,000.
Three-Pronged Approach to Preventive Care
- Strengthen Early Intervention:
- Enhance capabilities through Ayushman Health and Wellness Centres.
- Utilize AI-enabled imaging for affordable mass screenings.
- Improve Screening Adoption:
- Encourage insurers and private providers to offer subsidised screening for individuals aged 40-60.
- Consider funding from healthcare cess and proposed 35% GST slab on tobacco and sugar products.
- Increase Tax Deduction Limits:
- Further incentivize comprehensive health checks by increasing the tax deduction limit.
By prioritizing preventive care over reactive treatments, India can achieve a healthier and more economically resilient future.