Current Programs for Health Awareness and Prevention

By: Anupam Guha

India's population has surpassed 1.45 billion, reflecting both the country's diverse demographic makeup and the opportunities and challenges associated with public health interventions. Socioeconomic disparities and limited healthcare infrastructure have contributed to both favourable and adverse conditions in managing communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Factors such as increasing urbanization, industrialization, and changing lifestyles are undeniably major contributors to the rising prevalence of diseases. The incidence of lifestyle-related conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases continues to grow, alongside persistent infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria. Additionally, maternal and child health remains a significant concern, especially in rural areas, where malnutrition and inadequate access to healthcare services pose serious challenges. Despite notable changes in healthcare services, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched a national program to raise awareness about the risks associated with NCDs and to promote prevention and control of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and strokes. Screening units have been established or expanded across primary health centres nationwide to facilitate early detection. Furthermore, India has effectively implemented the Global Action Plan 2013-2020 of the World Health Organization for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, aiming for a 25% reduction in NCD-related mortality by 2025.

In recent years, India's total healthcare expenditure has been steadily increasing, reflecting the growing emphasis on healthcare infrastructure, services, and accessibility. According to the National Health Accounts 2019-20, the country's total health expenditure as a percentage of GDP rose from 1.13% in 2014-15 to 1.35% in 2019-20. Additionally, the share of government health spending increased from 20% to 41.4%. Social security expenditure on health also improved from 5.7% in 2014-15 to 9.4% in 2019-20. Special focus is being given to reaching those who missed routine immunization, particularly in remote and underserved areas. In 2017, the Intensified Mission Indradhanush was launched, and to date, approximately 54.6 million children and 13.2 million pregnant women have been vaccinated. Despite significant advancements in healthcare services, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched the National Program for the Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Strokes to raise awareness about the risks associated with NCDs. Efforts are also ongoing to establish screening units across primary health centres nationwide to facilitate early detection and management.

Since 2018, the Poshan Abhiyaan aims to combat malnutrition, anemia, stunting, and low birth weight, especially among women and children. It promotes nutritious foods, optimal feeding, and strengthened healthcare at the grassroots. Addressing issues like funding gaps and weak infrastructure, these initiatives reflect India’s commitment to improving public health. Achieving universal health coverage requires ongoing political will, investment, and collaboration among government, civil society, and private partners.

In India, the availability of diagnostic services is primarily concentrated in metropolitan and large cities. In rural India, healthcare services are generally limited to primary health centres where only basic medical care is provided. Common health issues in rural areas include nutritional deficiencies, lack of maternal and neonatal care, and easily preventable diseases such as malaria, diarrhea, tuberculosis, and respiratory illnesses. Additionally, challenges such as poor sanitation, lack of awareness, limited access to modern technology, shortages of trained healthcare personnel, and shortages of medicines persist even today—these remain the fundamental challenges in healthcare delivery.

According to the National Health Accounts and health challenge data, an average of 5.8 million people in India die each year from heart, lung diseases, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. Before the age of 70, 1 in 4 individuals dies from NCDs (Non-Communicable Diseases), which poses a threat to the country's population and economy. The main risks include cardiovascular diseases, cancer, respiratory diseases, diabetes, and other NCDs, accounting for 60% of total deaths. Factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, and poor diet contribute to these diseases. Unhealthy lifestyles among affected individuals increase the risk of mortality.

India’s healthcare initiatives include Ayushman Bharat and the Prime Minister Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), the world's largest government-funded health insurance scheme, covering up to 5 lakh rupees per family. Over 434 million Ayushman cards have been issued, providing free or subsidized care through over 184,000 primary health centers and 86.3 million digital health IDs. India supplies 20% of global generic medicines and 55-60% of UNICEF’s vaccines. The bio-economy is projected to reach $300 billion by 2030, with efforts to extend advanced healthcare to remote areas using AI, drones, and indigenous vaccines. The government aims for universal health coverage and a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.

India provides primary healthcare, yoga, and disease screening through about 184,235 Ayushman Arogya Mandir centers. Launched in 2021, the PM-Ayushman Health Infrastructure Mission aims to enhance IT-based monitoring and labs. The Digital Mission supports health accounts, mental health, and rapid aid via the 'i-Drone' project. The National Health Mission focuses on controlling maternal, child, infectious, and non-communicable diseases. By 2026, a free HPV vaccination program for 14-year-old girls will be launched. Mission Indradhanush aims to protect children and pregnant women, significantly reducing zero-dose children.

Through the Prime Minister’s Indian Pharmacopoeia Mission, 17,990 centers are providing high-quality generic medicines at 50-90% lower than market prices. India supplies 70% of the world’s anti-retroviral drugs, contributing significantly to global health security. The bio-economy has grown thirteen fold over the past decade, marking India’s successful transformation from pandemic response to medical tourism. With a strong healthcare system and digital infrastructure, India now stands as a unique health model worldwide.

India has become the first country in Southeast Asia to adopt strategies for utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare. AI is being used for various purposes, from tuberculosis detection to eye care and prescription generation. We are seeking high-quality, innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions that will open new horizons in real-time health monitoring, home care, remote care, and periodic counselling and health management. By leveraging India’s technology and infrastructure, it is essential for everyone to take initiative to meet the growing demand for service delivery. In this revolutionary transformation, our collective efforts will make healthcare more healthy, safe, and accessible—building a prosperous and reliable healthcare system for the future.

About Author: Dr. Anupam Guha, Principal of Michael Madhusudhan Dutta College, Sabroom, South Tripura.