India's Growing Healthcare Crisis
India faces a healthcare crisis, with an increasing rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer.
NCDs accounted for 65% of deaths in 2022, up from 50% in 2010-13, significantly impacting public health and increasing healthcare costs.
Early diagnosis and proactive prevention can help reduce the burden, improve health outcomes, and control rising expenses.
Rising Economic Burden
The Union Budget for 2024 allocated ₹87,657 crore to health, a 13% increase, but experts say it is still insufficient given the scale of the problem.
The total health expenditure in 2021-22 was ₹7.9 lakh crore, with household spending accounting for over 50%, one of the highest globally.
The WHO projects India's NCD-related economic burden will surpass ₹280 lakh crore by 2030, putting financial strain on families, especially low and middle-income groups.
The Role of Preventive Healthcare
Regular screenings for high-risk individuals could significantly reduce life-threatening conditions and the economic burden.
Comprehensive health checks cost ₹8,000-15,000, making them unaffordable for many.
Path Forward for Preventive Care
Strengthen early intervention through Health and Wellness Centres, using AI-enabled screenings to lower costs.
Encourage private health providers to offer subsidized screenings for people aged 40-60.
Policymakers should revise tax deductions for health checks to incentivize preventive care, potentially saving healthcare costs in the future.
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