India has undergone major transformations thanks to advances in the medical and healthcare sectors. These advancements have brought about effective vaccines and treatment plans, crucial health insurance coverage, and the elimination of many deadly diseases.
Chronic illnesses, which can cause physical pain, disability, and a reduced quality of life, also impose emotional stress, depression, and anxiety on both patients and their families. Financial burdens are significant as well, as treatments for certain illnesses can be extremely costly and may not be fully covered by insurance.
Additionally, caregiving responsibilities often fall on family members, demanding both physical and emotional energy. In some cases, patients are unable to work, which could result in lost income and added financial strain for the family.
Without further ado, let’s discuss the top 10 biggest health issues today, mushrooming in India.
10 Biggest Health Issues Rising Today
Let’s take a look at the top 10 health issues that you should avoid and lead a healthy and happy life.
1. Cardiovascular Diseases:
Cardiovascular diseases affect the heart and blood vessels. They often start with plaque buildup in arteries. In India, the most common types are coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and stroke. Sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, and higher stress levels contribute significantly to the increase in these diseases. In 2022, about 60% of all deaths in India were linked to cardiovascular diseases.
2. Chronic Respiratory Diseases:
Chronic respiratory diseases, such as COPD and pneumonia, have a significant impact on breathing and are a leading cause of death globally. In India, the most prevalent respiratory diseases are COPD and asthma, largely attributed to factors like air pollution, smoking, and occupational exposure. In 2022, approximately 6% of all deaths in India were attributed to chronic respiratory diseases.
3. Overweight and Obesity:
Being overweight or obese increases the risk of various life-threatening conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. Managing weight through healthy lifestyle choices is crucial in preventing these health issues and improving overall well-being.
4. Kidney Disease:
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive deterioration of kidney function over time. In India, the primary contributors to kidney disease are uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, and recurrent infections. In 2022, kidney disease accounted for around 2% of all deaths in India. Proper management and preventive measures are crucial in addressing this health issue.
5. Mental Health:
Mental health conditions, including dementia and depression, are not an inevitable part of ageing. Various factors, such as diseases, medication reactions, sensory impairments, infections, nutritional imbalances, and chronic conditions, can contribute to dementia. Depression, particularly in older adults, can lead to severe consequences, including suicide. Proper diagnosis, management, and support are essential in addressing mental health challenges.
6. Diabetes:
Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels. It ranks as the seventh leading cause of death globally. In India, diabetes affects a significant portion of the population and is often referred to as the “silent killer” due to its asymptomatic early stages. In 2022, approximately 8.7% of Indian adults had diabetes, and it accounted for around 2% of all deaths in the country.
Check: Health Insurance Plans For Diabetic Patients
7. Alzheimer’s Disease:
Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain condition that causes cognitive decline, behavioural changes, and memory impairment. As India’s population ages, the number of individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease is increasing. In 2022, it was estimated that around 4 million people in India were living with Alzheimer’s disease, and this number is expected to rise.
8. Liver Diseases:
Liver diseases, including cirrhosis and hepatitis, damage the liver and hinder its proper functioning. In India, the most common liver diseases are viral hepatitis, alcohol-related issues, and non-alcoholic fatty liver conditions. Alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, and viral hepatitis contribute to the rise of liver diseases. In 2022, approximately 1.2% of all deaths in India were attributed to liver diseases.
9. Cancer:
Cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells and poses a significant health threat. In India, the most common types of cancer are lung, breast, oral, and colon cancer. In 2022, there were approximately 880,000 new cancer cases reported in India, resulting in around 580,000 deaths.
Read: Health Insurance for Cancer patient
10. Stroke:
Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, which may lead to brain damage and functional impairment. Uncontrolled high blood pressure, tobacco use, and unhealthy diets contribute to the rise of stroke cases. In 2022, stroke accounted for approximately 1.5% of all deaths in India. Preventive measures and lifestyle modifications are crucial in addressing this health issue.
Importance of Health Insurance in Dealing With Health Issues
Health Insurance plays a crucial role in helping individuals cope with health issues in several ways. Firstly, it provides financial coverage for medical treatments, hospitalizations, surgeries, and medications. The high costs associated with these healthcare services can be overwhelming, but insurance helps alleviate the financial burden by covering a significant portion of the expenses. This ensures that individuals can receive the necessary medical care without worrying about the cost.
Moreover, Medical Insurance offers a sense of security and peace of mind. Knowing that one has insurance coverage in case of a serious illness or disease provides reassurance that one will have access to the required treatments and support. This can significantly reduce stress and anxiety during challenging times.
Health Insurance also facilitates access to a wider range of healthcare services. With coverage in place, individuals can seek specialized treatments and consultations with experts and avail themselves of advanced medical technologies that may otherwise be unaffordable. This enables them to receive the best possible care and increases the chances of successful outcomes.
Additionally, health insurance acts as a safety net for families. In the unfortunate event of the primary breadwinner’s death, insurance policies provide financial support to the family, helping them manage expenses and maintain their quality of life. This helps alleviate the financial strain during a difficult period and allows the family to focus on healing and rebuilding their lives.
Lastly, health insurance encourages preventive healthcare and early intervention. Many insurance policies offer coverage for routine check-ups, screenings, and preventive measures. Thus, it promotes regular health monitoring, timely detection of potential health issues, and early treatment, which can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the severity of illnesses.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! That’s a wrap-up to the top 10 biggest health issues in India! Remember that tackling the health issues in India requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses various aspects of healthcare. It is essential to focus on strengthening healthcare systems, improving access to healthcare services, implementing preventive measures, and promoting healthy behaviours among the population. Additionally, investment in research and innovation, as well as collaborations between public and private sectors, can contribute to advancements in medical treatments and disease prevention.
