India needs to prioritise preventive care

/ Editorials, English /

India needs to prioritise preventive care

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 9)

Topic: GS2 – Governance

Context

  • Healthcare Crisis: India faces a growing healthcare crisis with rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and escalating costs, which poses a significant challenge for the country’s healthcare system, leading to increased mortality rates and putting immense pressure on public health resources and infrastructure.

Introduction

  • Life Expectancy vs. Disease Burden: While life expectancy is increasing, many Indians are experiencing diseases earlier in life, leading to a higher burden of NCDs like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in India

  • Rising Deaths: NCDs accounted for 65% of deaths in 2022, up from 50% in 2010-2013.
  • High Risk Factors:
    • 1 in 4 adult men are hypertensive.
    • 1 in 8 adults are diabetic.
  • Cancer Increase: Rising cases of breast, lung, and cervical cancer, with earlier median ages of diagnosis.
  • Need for Early Diagnosis: Early detection could lead to better management and lower costs.
  • Shift to Prevention: Emphasizing proactive prevention can improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

Economic Burden

  • Health Budget: The 2024 Union Budget allocated ₹87,657 crore for health, a 13% increase but still insufficient for the challenges faced.
  • Total Health Expenditure: Estimated at ₹7.9 lakh crore in 2021-22, with households contributing over 50% of spending.

Economic Burden of NCDs

  • Projected Costs: WHO estimates the economic burden of NCDs in India will exceed ₹280 lakh crore by 2030, threatening financial stability, especially for lower-income families.

Role of Preventive Healthcare

  • Benefits of Screenings: Regular screenings can significantly reduce serious health conditions.
    • Example: In a large hospital network, 3 out of 1,000 screened individuals are identified for early intervention.
  • Targeted Screenings: Recommended for various conditions (e.g., mammograms, Pap smears, lung cancer screenings).
  • Cost Concerns: Comprehensive health checks cost ₹8,000-15,000 in metro areas, perceived as expensive.

Policy Recommendations

  • Government Action: A push for preventive healthcare can reduce financial burdens on individuals and the system.
  • Key Tools: Tax incentives, subsidized screenings, and public awareness campaigns.
  • Tax Deduction: The current ₹5,000 tax deduction for health checks has not increased for a decade; revising it to ₹15,000 in the 2025-26 budget is recommended.

Path Forward

  • Three-Pronged Approach:
    1. Strengthen Early Interventions: Enhance capabilities at health centers and use AI for targeted screenings.
    2. Encourage Private Screening Adoption: Insurers and providers should offer subsidized screening programs for those aged 40-60.
    3. Increase Tax Deduction Limit: This would incentivize more individuals to undergo health checks.

Conclusion

  • Urgent Need for Action: Addressing the rising burden of NCDs through preventive care, early interventions, and incentivizing screenings is crucial for reducing financial strain on individuals and the healthcare system. Policymakers must revise tax incentives and support health initiatives for a healthier future.