Common Health Issue in India: A Guide to Major Health Problems

India is one of the most populous countries in the world today. Boasting a population of over 1.3 billion people, India is a diverse country. In the past few years, India has noticed exceptional economic growth. Despite such commendable growth, the common health issues in India are still persistent.

Although India has such a favorable climate and temperature, health issues tend to persist. These health issues have been a long-standing challenge for the people. In this article, we will thoroughly discuss the common health problems in India.

Health Problems in India

People in India suffer from both mental and physical ailments. These health problems have had a major impact on our overall health. Some of the major health conditions in India that have been affecting people are as follows:

Non-communicable Diseases

Non-communicable diseases are indeed one of the most common health issues in India.

Reports suggest that around 80% of the deaths in the country are due to non-communicable diseases. Some of the common non-communicable diseases that the people of India deal with are cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory disorders, diabetes, and cancer.

Healthy activities, a poor diet, and excessive use of alcohol and tobacco often contribute to the rise of these non-communicable diseases. In order to combat these diseases, the Government has been taking all necessary steps. One of the most popular ones is the National Program for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Cardiovascular Diseases, Diabetes, and Stroke.

Environmental Health

Another big threat that India faces in terms of health is environmental health. With the growing population, rising pollution is also a big concern in the country. Air pollution, water pollution, and soil pollution have become excessively common in this country.

Compared to all other threats, air pollution is one of the biggest threats to the country. Several cities in India have often been ranked as the most polluted, especially in terms of poor air quality. Exposure to polluted air can make one susceptible to respiratory disorders.

Water pollution is another major concern for the people. The dumping of sewage and industrial waste into the water can pollute it. Consuming or exposure to such water can often make one susceptible to hepatitis, diarrhea, and more.

The Indian government is taking different measures to address the health issues in India caused by pollution. In order to monitor the air quality, they have launched the National Air Quality

Index. This is helping them gain real-time data in regard to air quality around different cities. The government is also taking measures to control water pollution as they’re closely monitoring industrial pollution. They are setting standards for the emission of waste and encouraging them to take an active part in adopting clear measures.

Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases in India are also pretty common. Lakhs of people are affected due to this in a severe manner. Diseases like malaria, dengue, and tuberculosis affect a majority of India’s population daily. It is estimated that around 2.8 million cases of tuberculosis are reported in India every year.

Around 85% of the Indian population is at risk of being affected by malaria. The Indian government is launching different programs to combat the risk of infectious diseases. One such major program is the National Tuberculosis Control Program. Through this, they aim at spreading awareness about tuberculosis in the country. Furthermore, the government is also encouraging measures to increase awareness among people and combat the stress of malaria.

Mental Health

People are gradually giving importance to mental health. As a result, the awareness surrounding mental health is also increasing.

Respiratory issues

India faces a significant burden of respiratory diseases due to air pollution, particularly in urban areas. Exposure to harmful particles and chemicals from vehicles, industries, and construction contributes to a rise in cases of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions.

Additionally, indoor air pollution from the use of solid fuels for cooking in rural households is a significant concern, affecting the health of women and children. The government has initiated measures to tackle pollution and promote clean energy, but continued efforts are needed to reduce the impact of respiratory problems on public health.

Malnutrition

Despite significant economic growth, India still grapples with high rates of malnutrition, affecting millions of its population. The prevalence of undernutrition, especially in children, leads to stunting, wasting, and delayed cognitive development. Concurrently, there is a growing concern regarding overnutrition, with rising obesity rates due to changes in dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles. Addressing malnutrition requires a comprehensive approach involving access to nutritious food, maternal and child healthcare, and public awareness campaigns to promote healthy eating habits and balanced diets.

Cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have emerged as a major health challenge in India. The increasing prevalence of risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and stress contributes to the growing burden of CVDs, including coronary artery disease and stroke. Awareness about prevention and early detection is crucial to curb CVD-related deaths.

Public health campaigns, lifestyle modifications, and improved access to healthcare services can play a pivotal role in reducing the impact of cardiovascular diseases and promoting heart health across the nation.

Diabetes

India has witnessed a steep rise in diabetes cases, becoming known as the “diabetes capital of the world.” Urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and unhealthy dietary habits are major contributing factors to the diabetes epidemic. Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent form, affecting both adults and an increasing number of children and adolescents. Early diagnosis, regular monitoring, and lifestyle interventions are crucial in managing diabetes and preventing its complications. A comprehensive approach that includes education, public awareness, and access to affordable healthcare is essential to mitigate the impact of diabetes on public health in India.

Conclusion

There are a wide range of health problems in India. People are taking preventive measures and the government is also introducing measures to keep up with it. It is important to follow the rules and regulations in order to leap these health conditions at bay.