Chronic Disease Deaths on the Rise in India, Global Figures Show Decline
When the rest of the world is slowly winning the battle against chronic illnesses, India appears to be moving in the opposite direction. A recent Lancet study has thrown light on a worrying trend: deaths from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart ailments, diabetes, and cancer have increased in India between 2010 and 2019, even as global numbers have shown a decline.
Public health experts call this a red flag moment. “We are not just facing an epidemic of lifestyle diseases, but a systemic failure in prevention and care,” said Dr. Meera Sinha, a Delhi-based epidemiologist, when asked about the findings.
A Reversal of Global Progress
According to the study, most regions worldwide have managed to reduce mortality linked to NCDs in the past decade. Improved awareness, better access to healthcare, and early interventions have helped many countries push numbers downward. In India, however, the opposite happened: deaths increased by nearly 10 percent.
What makes the picture starker is the gender divide. Women in India are increasingly vulnerable, recording a sharper rise in mortality compared to men. This is unusual because globally, the improvement has benefitted both sexes. Researchers argue that neglect of women’s health, delayed diagnosis, and lack of gender-sensitive health programs are contributing factors.
Why India’s Numbers Are Rising
Experts highlight multiple reasons behind the surge. Changing diets, reduced physical activity, high pollution levels, and rising stress in urban lifestyles are key drivers. At the same time, rural India is not immune. As processed foods reach smaller towns and villages, traditional diets are being replaced by calorie-heavy alternatives.
Dr. Ramesh Verma, a cardiologist based in Lucknow, explained it bluntly: “India is moving fast on economic growth, but our health system has not kept pace. You can buy smartphones in the remotest village, but you still won’t find a blood sugar test machine there.”
Women at the Losing End
The study noted a particularly sharp increase in NCD deaths among Indian women. Culturally, women often prioritize family health over their own. Regular check-ups are rare, and by the time diseases are detected, they are already at an advanced stage.
Take diabetes as an example. In urban households, women may manage diets for the entire family but neglect their own health. This silent neglect, combined with lack of screening facilities, is creating a dangerous gap.
“Women need targeted campaigns. Screening camps in villages, affordable medicines, and awareness drives could go a long way,” said Dr. Sinha.
Policy Gaps and Systemic Challenges
India does have national programs aimed at tackling NCDs. However, implementation remains patchy. Most government hospitals are overcrowded, and preventive care is rarely prioritized. Private healthcare is costly, pushing millions into debt when faced with prolonged treatments.
Health activists argue that India has focused heavily on infectious diseases like tuberculosis and malaria, while lifestyle diseases have not received the same urgency. This oversight is proving costly, both in human and economic terms.
What Lies Ahead
If the trend continues, India could face a dual burden—infectious diseases on one side and rising NCDs on the other. The economic cost would be staggering. A less healthy workforce means lower productivity and higher medical expenses, dragging down growth.
But the crisis is not irreversible. Countries like Thailand and Brazil have shown that timely interventions can reverse the tide. Regular screenings, public awareness campaigns, taxation on sugary drinks, and workplace wellness programs have helped reduce deaths.
India can adopt similar strategies. With its large youth population, preventive measures today could save millions of lives tomorrow.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call
The Lancet study is a wake-up call for India. While the world is slowly bending the curve on chronic disease deaths, India risks becoming an outlier. Without urgent reforms in healthcare access, women’s health programs, and lifestyle awareness, the numbers may continue to climb.
In a country where progress is often measured in economic growth and infrastructure, perhaps it’s time to measure it in healthier hearts, longer lives, and stronger communities. Because what use is prosperity if citizens are too unwell to enjoy it?