Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

India needs to prioritise preventive care

Explained | Indian Society | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education
Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Mains level: Issues related to health care;

Why in the News?

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer are rising sharply in India which causing a heavy financial burden. In 2022, NCDs accounted for 65% of all deaths.

Why should India shift its focus from curative to preventive healthcare?

  • Improved Health Outcomes: Preventive healthcare allows for early detection and management of health issues, which can lead to better overall health, a higher quality of life, and potentially increased lifespan.
  • Early diagnosis helps mitigate serious complications associated with chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
  • Cost Savings: Investing in preventive care can significantly reduce healthcare costs. By preventing illnesses or catching them early, individuals can avoid expensive treatments and hospitalizations.
  • Reduced Burden on Healthcare Systems: With a proactive approach to health, the pressure on India’s already strained healthcare infrastructure can be alleviated. Preventive care can help manage the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which accounted for about 65% of deaths in 2022.
  • Economic Productivity: A healthier population contributes to increased productivity. Chronic illnesses often lead to absenteeism and reduced work capacity, which can negatively impact economic growth.
  • Addressing Rising Disease Burden: The growing prevalence of NCDs in India necessitates a shift toward preventive measures. With many individuals facing disease burdens earlier in life, focusing on prevention can help manage these conditions more effectively and sustainably.

How can India effectively shift its focus from curative to preventive healthcare?

  • Strengthening Early Intervention: Enhancing the capabilities of Ayushman Health and Wellness Centres to facilitate targeted screenings and early interventions is crucial. This can involve using data analytics to identify high-risk populations and provide tailored preventive care services.
  • Encouraging Regular Screenings: Promoting regular health screenings, especially for individuals aged 40-60, can help identify conditions early. Collaborating with private health providers and insurers to offer subsidized screening programs can make preventive care more accessible.
  • Policy Incentives: Revising tax deductions for preventive health checks can incentivize individuals to prioritize their health. Increasing the limit from ₹5,000 to ₹15,000 under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act can encourage more people to undergo comprehensive health assessments.

What role do technology and innovation play in enhancing preventive healthcare accessibility?

  • AI and Digital Health Solutions: The integration of AI-enabled imaging modalities and telemedicine can enhance the accessibility of preventive healthcare services. These technologies can facilitate lower-cost screenings and improve diagnostic accuracy, especially in underserved areas.
  • Health Data Management: The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) can play a pivotal role in managing health data effectively, enabling better tracking of health trends and facilitating targeted interventions based on population health analytics.
  • Wearable Health Devices: The use of wearable devices for monitoring vital signs and health metrics can empower individuals to take proactive steps in managing their health, leading to earlier detection of potential health issues.

What are the expected economic and health outcomes of prioritizing preventive care?

  • Reduced Healthcare Costs: By prioritizing preventive care, India could significantly lower the overall financial burden on individuals and the healthcare system.
    • Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent the escalation of diseases that require expensive treatments.
  • Improved Health Outcomes: A focus on preventive healthcare is likely to lead to better health outcomes, including reduced morbidity and mortality rates associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This shift can enhance the quality of life for many individuals.
  • Economic Resilience: Investing in preventive healthcare can contribute to economic stability by reducing productivity losses associated with chronic diseases. A healthier population is more productive, which can drive economic growth and reduce the financial strain on households.

Way forward: 

  • Expand Preventive Care Infrastructure: Strengthen health centers with early screening capabilities, utilize data analytics to identify high-risk groups, and collaborate with private providers to offer affordable preventive services.
  • Incentivize Preventive Health Practices: Revise tax benefits for health check-ups and promote the use of technology, such as wearable devices and telemedicine, to increase accessibility and awareness of preventive healthcare.

Mains PYQ:

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 IAS/2022)

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