India Needs to Prioritize Preventive Healthcare for a Healthier Future

Governance Issues Health

07-Jan-25

Context: The article underscores the urgent need for India to prioritize preventive healthcare as a strategic approach to address the country’s escalating healthcare crisis. With a rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, which account for a significant portion of deaths.

It highlights the economic and social implications of delayed diagnosis and treatment. It emphasizes that preventive measures, such as regular screenings and early interventions, could significantly alleviate the healthcare and financial burden on individuals and the system.

What is the healthcare crisis India is facing?

India is witnessing a rising healthcare crisis characterized by:
A paradox where life expectancy is increasing, but people face diseases earlier in life.
A surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer.
NCDs accounted for 65% of all deaths in 2022, up from 50% in 2010-13.
High prevalence of risk factors:
1 in 4 adult men are hypertensive.
1 in 8 adults are diabetic.
Rising cases of breast, lung, and cervical cancer with earlier diagnoses compared to global averages.

Why is preventive care important?

Preventive care offers the potential to:
Diagnose and manage conditions early, reducing severe health outcomes.
Lower individual and system-wide healthcare expenses.
Minimize the cascading economic and social effects of serious diseases.

What is the economic burden of NCDs in India?

Current Expenditure: Rs 7.9 lakh crore in 2021-22, growing faster than overall inflation.
Household Contribution: Nearly 50% of health expenditure comes from households, one of the highest globally.
Future Projections: WHO estimates the economic burden of NCDs in India will exceed Rs 280 lakh crore by 2030, amounting to Rs 2 lakh per household.
Healthcare Budget: The Union Budget for 2024 allocated Rs 87,657 crore, a 13% increase, but still insufficient to address India’s challenges.

How can regular screenings help?

Targeted and periodic screenings can significantly reduce life-threatening conditions:
For every 1,000 screenings in a large hospital network, at least three pre-emptive cardiac or cancer interventions are identified.

Recommended screenings

Mammograms for breast cancer.
Pap smears for cervical cancer.
Low-dose CT for lung cancer.
Ultrasound for liver disease.
Stress tests and echocardiograms for heart health.
Early interventions result in better health outcomes and cost savings.

What are the barriers to preventive care adoption?

High Costs: Comprehensive health checks cost Rs 8,000-Rs 15,000 in metro cities.
Limited Tax Benefits: The Rs 5,000 tax deduction under Section 80D for preventive health checks has not been revised since 2013, despite rising healthcare inflation.

How can the government encourage preventive care?

Revising Tax Deductions: Increasing the preventive health check tax deduction limit to Rs 15,000 in the Union Budget 2025-26. This could:
Encourage preventive health adoption.
Save future healthcare costs worth several thousand crores.
Require an incremental tax expenditure of less than Rs 5,000 crore.
Subsidised Screenings: Policies to reduce screening costs for high-risk individuals.
Public Awareness: Campaigns to promote preventive health measures.

What steps can drive preventive care adoption?

A three-pronged approach can foster change:

Strengthen Early Interventions:
Expand the Ayushman Health and Wellness Centres.
Utilize AI-enabled imaging for cost-effective, large-scale screenings.

Subsidise Private Screenings

Encourage insurers and private providers to offer affordable screening packages.
Fund programmes through a healthcare cess or the proposed 35% GST slab on tobacco and sugar products.