India has yet to overcome the issues of malnutrition and communicable diseases. Additionally, the country is witnessing the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) also. Non-communicable diseases are those which are not caused by any infection but are caused due to changing lifestyles and environmental factors. In recent times, NCDs have greatly contributed to health loss not only in India but also globally. NCDs' contribution to the overall disease burden has increased by more than 50% in India. Most of the NCDs are caused by preventable risk factors like tobacco use, hypertension, and ongoing nutrition transition. This article speaks about the 10 biggest health issues we are facing today.
What are Health Issues?
India being the most populated country in the world, also has the highest number of patients suffering from chronic health issues. Medical issues happen when the body's normal metabolism is affected by factors like lifestyle, diseases, pathogens or pollution. A majority of the critically ill patients are below 60 years old. Following are the factors that are contributing to these health issues in the young population:
- Consumption of processed food
- Excessive use of tobacco and alcohol
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Stress
- Pollution
- Expensive medical care
Top 10 Rising Health Problems in India
Economic growth, rapid urbanisation, environmental factors and lack of physical activity are leading to a growing number of issues with health. Here is a list of the top 10 medical issues or health related issues:
Obesity
Obesity has become an epidemic in India. It is the excessive fat in the body. Visceral obesity is considered to be a serious health threat. Young kids as well as adults are equally struggling with physical issues like high BMI, body fat, etc. today. Reduced outdoor playtime, fattening junk food and sitting all day in the comfort of AC has made more than 30% of Indian kids obese.
Cardiovascular Diseases
Cardiovascular diseases are among the most common health problems and the top factor causing death in India. It includes diseases or conditions that affect your heart and blood vessels resulting in heart attacks. Blockage in arteries is the most common health issue causing cardiovascular diseases among the Indian population. Except for genetic heart defects, most heart conditions are preventable with a change in diet and lifestyle.
Cancer
It is the second most common disease in India and accounts for 70% of deaths in the age group of 30 to 69 years. The most common forms of cancer in India are oral, breast, lung, stomach and cervical which can be treated if diagnosed at an early stage and can also be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, late diagnosis affects the treatment outcomes, which is the major reason for cancer deaths.
Chronic Respiratory Diseases
High air pollution, smoking, use of biomass fuel and poor living conditions are major factors contributing to a rise in respiratory diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Pneumonia, and bronchitis. These diseases are major causes of death among children and elders.
Diabetes
India is known to have the highest cases of diabetes in the world. It is characterised by high blood sugar levels. It is the biggest health threat in India today which leads to many other medical problems like heart disease, chronic kidney disease, vision problems, etc. Diabetes is called the ‘silent killer’ due to the lack of symptoms in the early stages. Today, diabetes is a major health concern among children as young as 12 years due to poor lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits.
Hypertension
Hypertension or high blood pressure is one of the most common medical concerns in India. It is the leading factor causing a brain stroke and a heart attack. A stroke caused by high blood pressure can also lead to a disability or affect brain function. It is again caused by physical inactivity and unhealthy habits.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease is caused by many other underlying medical issues such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, etc. It is a slow-progressing disease causing kidney failure over time. The symptoms include fatigue, swelling in ankles, loss of appetite and skin issues. These symptoms are not visible in the early stages.
Reproductive Health Issues
Reproductive health issues particularly faced by women are also on the rise. One in five women suffers from reproductive issues in India. Changing lifestyles, stressful work-life, pressure to maintain work-life balance and the dual responsibility of career and household on women have led to a rise in the cases of reproductive health issues such as hormonal imbalance, menstrual issues, PCOS, PCOD, and infertility.
Mental Health Issues
Lately, the cases of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and substance abuse have increased significantly in India. Various social and cultural factors and a lack of access to mental healthcare lead to a rise in such cases. Addressing community health issues to promote community participation, bringing awareness and integration with primary healthcare can help reduce stigma and bridge the gap in accessibility.
Community Health Problems
Malnutrition, neonatal disorders, infectious diseases like diarrhoea, measles, tuberculosis, etc. and poor healthcare infrastructure are some common community health problems still prevalent in rural India and low-income groups. Various community health programs initiated by the government are addressing some common health issues, but there is still a long way to go.
Managing Major Health Issues with Health Insurance
All the major health issues discussed above are preventable, treatable and reversible with proper medical care. However, considering the high costs of treatments for lifestyle diseases, it is crucial to invest in comprehensive health insurance to manage a wide range of medical issues. A right health insurance policy can ease your financial burden when undergoing medical treatment.
Did you know that Care Health Insurance plans provide coverage for all major critical illnesses, heart conditions, and pre-existing medical conditions? They also offer wellness benefits to help manage lifestyle diseases. Health insurance plans like Care Supreme, Care Super Mediclaim etc. come with comprehensive coverage that plays a major role in mitigating those unexpected expenses arising out of a medical emergency. Care Health Insurance has customised plans designed to meet your specific medical requirements and budget. You can consult our health insurance experts to learn more about our product offerings and coverage.
