| PYQ Relevance: Q) Public health system has limitations in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (UPSC CSE 2015) Q) The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges and what steps need to be taken to meet them? (UPSC CSE 2022) |
India’s Public Health System needs to focus on preventing and controlling non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and cancer. These diseases affect people of all income levels, but the poor and old aged population is the most vulnerable.
In this scenario, Health Longevity is an evidence-based approach to help countries define prioritized, costed interventions and policy changes to save and extend people’s lives. According to World Bank, investing in healthy longevity could save 150 million lives in low- and middle- income countries.
Today’s editorial emphasizes the issues related to the health sector in India especially with respect to Non-communicable diseases.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The World Bank publishes an important and forward-thinking report on a key issue affecting people’s well-being. The report is Unlocking the Power of Healthy Longevity: Demographic Change, Non-communicable Diseases, and Human Capital, released in Washington D.C. in September 2024.
| Key Findings of the Report: ● Aging and NCD Burden: Global aging is accelerating, with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) causing over 70% of deaths, especially in low- and middle-income countries. ● Potential Life Savings: Investing in healthy longevity could save 150 million lives and significantly improve productivity and economic growth by 2050. ● Life-Course Health Investments: Addressing health from maternal to elderly care, with a focus on NCD prevention, is essential for promoting healthier aging populations. ● Gender and Social Equity: Women, who often bear caregiving responsibilities and live longer with NCDs, require targeted health and social protections to ensure equity in aging. |
Issues related to the Elderly Population in India:
- Size of Elderly Population: India has the second-largest elderly population in the world, with approximately 140 million people aged 60 years and above.
- Growth Rate: The elderly population is growing at a rate nearly three times higher than India’s overall population growth, indicating a significant demographic shift.
- Aging Population Challenge: This rapidly aging population places considerable pressure on health services, social systems, and the economy.
What are the Disease Concerns in India?
- Rise in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): India is witnessing an increasing burden of NCDs, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases, which are now the leading causes of death.
- Health Risks for the Elderly: As the elderly population grows, the prevalence of age-related diseases and NCDs is expected to surge, straining healthcare systems.
- Impact on Public Health: The health challenges are compounded by the underdeveloped infrastructure for treating chronic diseases, particularly in rural areas.
Issues related to Hospital Expenses in India:
- Rising Healthcare Costs: Medical expenses for elderly care, especially for chronic diseases and long-term care, are escalating. Private hospitals often charge exorbitantly, making healthcare unaffordable for many elderly individuals.
- Inaccessibility of Healthcare: The elderly often face challenges in accessing healthcare facilities due to geographic and economic barriers, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
- Catastrophic Health Expenditure: Many elderly people, particularly in lower-income segments, face catastrophic health expenses that can push them into poverty. Even with government schemes, the out-of-pocket expenses remain high.
| Steps taken by the Indian Government: ● National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE): This program aims to provide comprehensive healthcare services specifically tailored for older adults. ● National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP): Aimed at providing financial assistance to the elderly who are below the poverty line. ● Maintenance and Welfare of Senior Citizens Act, 2007: This act mandates maintenance and welfare provisions for senior citizens. ● Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY): A scheme focused on promoting the welfare of senior citizens through various support services. ● Elderline: A national helpline established to assist elderly individuals in accessing information and services related to their needs |
Efficacy of Social Security Schemes:
- Limited Coverage: India’s social security schemes, including pensions and health insurance, often do not adequately cover the elderly, especially those in lower income brackets or rural areas.
- For example: Public health schemes like Ayushman Bharat aim to provide health insurance to underprivileged populations, but the coverage and access remain limited for the elderly.
- Vulnerable Groups: The elderly in India, particularly those without formal employment or savings, remain highly vulnerable to financial distress from healthcare expenses and lack sufficient social security support.
Way forward:
- Enhance and Expand Social Security Coverage: Strengthen existing social security schemes like Ayushman Bharat to ensure comprehensive health insurance and pension coverage for elderly populations, particularly in rural and low-income areas. This can help alleviate financial strain from healthcare costs.
- Invest in Geriatric Healthcare Infrastructure: Improve healthcare facilities and services for the elderly, focusing on chronic disease management and accessible healthcare, especially in rural areas. This includes training healthcare workers in geriatric care and increasing the availability of affordable long-term care options.
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/debating-the-healthy-longevity-initiative/article68860898.ece
