India is facing a health crisis as the latest report on the health scenario in the country revealed a significant growth in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the fastest rise in cancer cases. According to the 4th edition of Apollo Hospitals’ flagship Health of Nation Report on World Health Day 2024, at least one in three Indians are pre-diabetic, two in three are pre-hypertensive, and one in 10 are depressed.
The report highlighted the concerning rise of NCDs in India, including cancer, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health issues, all of which have a significant impact on the nation’s overall health. It predicted a potential surge in healthcare burdens due to conditions such as pre-diabetes, pre-hypertension, and mental health disorders manifesting at increasingly younger ages.
Apollo’s data also revealed that while there is a need to increase the penetration of health checks in India, people are increasingly opting for more comprehensive health checks, a positive step towards safeguarding their health and wellness. The report emphasized the importance of regular health screenings in reducing blood pressure and body mass index levels, thereby lowering the risk of cardiac-related ailments.
Despite the rising incidence of NCDs, cancer screening rates in India remain very low, with the most common cancers being Breast, Cervix, and Ovary in women, and Lung, Mouth, and Prostate in men. The report also found that obesity incidence has doubled from 9% in 2016 to 20% in 2023, hypertension incidence has increased from 9% to 13%, and a high proportion of Indians are at risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Apollo Hospitals’ ProHealth Score aims to increase awareness about the contributing factors to this health crisis and advocate for proactive measures to address the growing impact of NCDs on the population. The report serves as a wake-up call for the nation to prioritize preventive healthcare measures and address the rising burden of NCDs in India.