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India’s Growing Healthcare Crisis
Context:
India is facing a growing healthcare crisis with an alarming rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which now account for 65% of all deaths, up from 50% in 2010-13 (National Family Health Survey-5).
More on News:
- While life expectancy in India is increasing, the onset of diseases like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer is occurring earlier, contributing to an escalating financial and social burden.
- One in four adult men is hypertensive, and one in eight adults is diabetic. Breast, lung, and cervical cancers are rising, with diagnoses occurring earlier than global averages.
The Cost of Delayed Diagnosis and Lack of Preventive Measures:
- Missed Opportunities: Millions of cases could be better managed and at lower costs if diagnosed earlier.
- Perception of Cost: Comprehensive health checks in metro cities cost ₹8,000–₹15,000, making them unaffordable for many.
- Need for Early Screening: Regular screenings can significantly reduce severe disease outcomes.
- Screening tools include mammograms, pap smears, X-rays, CT scans, echocardiography, treadmill stress tests, ultrasounds, and blood tests.
Escalating Economic Burden:
- Union Budget Allocation: ₹87,657 crore was allocated to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2024 — a 13% increase but still insufficient for India’s healthcare needs.
- Current Health Expenditure: Estimated at ₹7.9 lakh crore (2021-22), growing faster than inflation, with households shouldering 50%+ of the cost.
- Projected NCD Costs: By 2030, NCDs are projected to impose a ₹280 lakh crore economic burden, equivalent to ₹2 lakh per household.
Government Role and Policy Recommendations:
- Revise Tax Incentives: Section 80D of the Income Tax Act offers a ₹5,000 deduction for health checks, unchanged since the Finance Act, 2013.
- Proposal: Increase the deduction limit to ₹15,000 in the Union Budget for 2025-26 to align with 12–14% healthcare inflation.
- Estimated cost to the exchequer: ₹5,000 crore, a worthwhile investment for long-term savings.
- Early Intervention: Strengthen early intervention capabilities through Ayushman Health and Wellness Centres, and use AI-enabled imaging for lower-cost screenings at scale.
- Private Sector Involvement: Encourage insurers and private health providers to offer subsidised screening for individuals between 40-60 years, e.g., annual or bi-annual mammograms for women after 40.
Subsidised Screenings and Awareness: Promote subsidised screenings via tax incentives, insurers, and private healthcare providers. Proceeds from healthcare cess or the proposed 35% GST slab on tobacco and sugar products should be used to fund preventive programs.
