Addressing the burden of lifestyle diseases

Dr Damodar Bachani, Deputy Commissioner, NCD, MoH&FW  in this session informed, “Out of all the deaths occurring in India, 60 per cent are caused by NCDs which comprise cardiovascular disease, cancer, COPD and many others.” He elucidated on the different challenges faced by the healthcare sector and shared focus points to strengthen the public healthcare facilities to address NCDs. He pointed out that though NCD clinics are being set up at the district hospitals and the community health centres, lack of healthy attitude in people is a bigger challenge. The various other challenges include little allocation of budget toward NCDs, financing and no reduction in the out of pocket expenses. He suggested measures like a multi-sectoral action plan be initiated to better the public health scenario. Contribution from the private sector and 20 plus ministries will help reform policies to curb risk factors leading to NCD’s. He referred to the initiative led by NITI Aayog which constitutes four working group to engage existing private sectors, so they can contribute towards addressing NCDs. Dr Bachani added, “The government, health sector and the society should all join hands to curb the issue of lifestyle diseases.” As most of these diseases are prevalent life long, more insurance plans such as Rashtra Swasthya Bima Yojana must also be designed to reduce the out of pocket expenses. He also proposed a two to three-tier financing system be drafted to fulfill the goal of healthcare for all.

Key recommendations

• A multi-sectoral action plan should be initiated to better the public health scenario
• Contribution from the private sector and 20 plus ministries will help reform policies to curb risk factors leading to NCD’s
• A two to three-tier financing system be drafted to fulfill the goal of healthcare for all