Context: Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are rapidly rising in India, particularly in the urban areas. Studies have shown increased risks of NCDs for women post-menopause, with a significant rise in diabetes, obesity, fatty liver, and hypertension.
Relevance of the topic: Mains- Role of Urbanisation in increasing the Burden of NCDs; Government Initiatives.
What are Non-Communicable Diseases?
- NCDs: Group of chronic diseases that are not caused by infectious agents and typically have a long development period.
- Diseases: They include a range of conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases , and mental health disorders.
- Risk factors for NCDs: Unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, pollution and environmental factors.
- According to the World Health Organisation, NCDs account for 71% of all deaths globally, with cardiovascular diseases being the leading cause.
- As per the WHO’s latest report (2022), 66% of total deaths in India in 2019 were due to NCDs.
- Older adults (60 and above) have reported the highest infectious, NCDs, disability and injuries.
Role of Urbanisation in Increasing the Burden of NCDs:
- Economic Structure: Urban economies are primarily service-oriented, which reduces the need for manual labor compared to agrarian rural economies. This contributes to the sedentary lifestyle and associated risk of NCDs.
- Changing Dietary Patterns: Urban areas often see increased consumption of processed foods, unhealthy fats, and sugars, leading to poor nutrition which are directly related to rising incidence of NCDs.
- Environmental Factors: Pollution and the Urban Heat Island effect exacerbate health risks associated with NCDs.
- Lifestyle Choices: Higher prevalence of alcohol consumption and smoking in urban settings increases the risk of developing NCDs.
- Family Structure Changes: The shift towards nuclear families in urban areas can lead to mental health issues due to a lack of emotional support from extended family members.
Initiatives taken by the Government:
- National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NP-CDCS): Implemented since 2010 intends to prevent and control major NCDs (Hypertension, Diabetes, Cardiovascular disease, Cancer, Stroke, Chronic kidney disease, COPD/ Asthma, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, etc).
- National Action Plan: India has adopted the National Action Plan with specific national targets and indicators aimed at reducing the number of global premature deaths from NCDs by 25% by 2025.
- The plan was based on the WHO's Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs (2013-2020). UN SDG (Target 3.4) aims to reduce premature mortality from NCDs by one-third by 2030 in the world.
- Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana includes coverage for treatment of NCDs, to over 10 crore families, including cancer.
- Fit India Movement and promotion of Yoga to encourage people to remain healthy and fit by including physical activities and sports in their lifestyle.
- National Mental Health Programme and National Tele Mental Health Programme to improve access to quality mental health counselling and care services in the country.