Why in the News?

The recent cardiac arrest and subsequent death of a Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus driver while on duty has sparked conversations about worsening health outcomes in urban areas.

What are the primary risk factors contributing to the rising NCD burden in urban areas?

• High-Stress Work Environments: Many urban workers, including bus drivers, face high levels of stress due to long hours, erratic schedules, and demanding job conditions.
  • The BMTC study indicated that over 40% of its employees aged 45-60 are at risk for cardiovascular diseases, exacerbated by factors like continuous driving and poor eating habits.
• Poor Nutrition and Lifestyle: Workers often lack access to healthy food options and exercise opportunities, leading to increased rates of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.
  • The BMTC workforce has shown alarming rates of these conditions, which are often linked to lifestyle choices made under stressful work conditions.
• Lack of Health Insurance and Support: Many informal workers do not have health insurance or access to regular health screenings. This lack of support can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment of NCDs, increasing the risk of severe health events like heart attacks.
• Socioeconomic Marginalization: A significant portion of the urban population lives in slums or informal settlements, where access to healthcare is limited. This socioeconomic status contributes to poor health outcomes and a higher prevalence of NCDs.

How can urban health systems be strengthened to effectively manage NCDs?

• Improving Access to Primary Healthcare: Urban health systems must focus on making primary healthcare services more accessible to marginalized communities. This includes expanding facilities in underserved areas and ensuring that services are affordable and culturally appropriate.
• Implementing Regular Health Screenings: Regular health evaluations for high-risk populations, such as bus drivers and other transport workers, should be mandated. These screenings can help identify risk factors early on and facilitate timely interventions.
• Integrating Health Services with Employment Policies: Employers should collaborate with health departments to create programs that promote employee wellness, including stress management workshops and nutrition education tailored for their workforce.
• Community-Based Health Promotion: Local organizations can play a crucial role in educating communities about NCD risks and promoting healthy lifestyles through workshops and outreach programs that engage residents directly.

What role do public awareness and community engagement play in combating NCDs?

• Raising Awareness About NCD Risks: Public campaigns can educate individuals about the importance of regular health screenings and lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of NCDs. Awareness initiatives can empower communities to take charge of their health.
• Encouraging Community Participation: Engaging community members in health promotion activities fosters a sense of ownership over their health outcomes. Community-led initiatives can effectively address local health issues by tailoring solutions to specific needs.
• Utilizing Technology for Monitoring Health: Digital tools can facilitate real-time monitoring of health metrics for at-risk populations, enabling proactive management of conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
• Creating Support Networks: Building networks among workers can provide emotional support and share resources for managing health issues collectively, which is particularly beneficial for those facing similar challenges in high-stress jobs.

Way forward: 

• Strengthen Urban Primary Healthcare: Expand access to affordable and culturally relevant primary health services, implement regular screenings for high-risk groups, and integrate wellness programs with employment policies for vulnerable workers.
• Promote Community-Led Health Initiatives: Engage local organizations and residents to raise awareness about NCD risks, encourage healthy lifestyles, and utilize digital tools for real-time health monitoring and proactive care.

Mains PYQ:

Q  “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. (UPSC IAS/2021)

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now