The healthcare system and public health in India is still a work in progress, given the many developments, challenges, and policies that the country’s health outcomes are dependent on. In the past few months, the nation has experienced notable advances in disease control, healthcare system, government policies and new health hazards among other issues. This blog is specifically aimed at understanding the current health news in India, and the impact of such news on the people.
1. Rising Cases of Vector-Borne Diseases: Dengue and Malaria on the Rise
As the monsoon season draws to a close in India, the country is facing an upsurge in the cases of various vector-borne diseases especially that of Dengue and Malaria. Several states including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi have witnessed rising hospital turnouts due to patients diagnosed with dengue, quite a significant public health concern. Health officials have heighted measures aimed at curbing the breeding of these mosquitoes most especially in the cities by creating awareness regarding the prevention measures such as
- The use of mosquito repellents
- Removal of stagnant water
- Use of protective gear
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has equally been taking part in seeking for more efficient ways of controlling the diseases, including the development of newer vaccines and better methods of controlling mosquito populations.
2. India’s Battle with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
In India, non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart diseases are on the rise and remain a worrying issue. As per the latest reports, almost 60% of mortality in the country is due to NCDs, with diabetes being a significant contributor.
The National Health Mission has implemented programs for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of NCDs, with a focus on rural areas which are underserved in terms of healthcare services. Program Polices like Ayushman Bharat focus on delivery of cost-effective treatment for such chronic diseases to the needy even from the low-income section of society.
Government Initiatives:
- Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission: Introduced by the authority, this mission aims at improving the existing healthcare services, constructing new hospitals, and providing efficient diagnosis and treatment centers.
- Digital Health Mission: The government of India has also embarked on a digital health ecosystem, where patients are able to keep medical records in electronic form and hence enhance the provision of health care services.
3. COVID-19 Booster Dose Rollout and Vaccination Campaigns
As new variants of COVID-19 continue to emerge, India has increased its endeavours to vaccinate the populace with second booster doses. Over 95% of the eligible adult population had been administered at least one dose by 2024, with second booster doses being offered to more at-risk groups. Furthermore, Covovax vaccine was approved for younger age groups thereby increasing the pace of vaccination in schools and colleges.
The government has also implemented awareness campaigns in the rural areas in order to motivate the individuals to get vaccinated and follow COVID protocols. Though COVID-19 cases have decreased when compared to 2021, there are still periodic spikes of the virus through which citizens are reminded the need for vaccination and other health measures.
4. Mental Health Awareness on the Rise
In India, mental health has always been regarded as a sensitive issue for all the socio-political reasons however unlike before it is starting to receive attention. This has evolved especially after the pandemic which has increased the levels of anxiety, depression, and stress in individuals within all age brackets. The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) has also been at the forefront of mental health-related activities and campaigns which aim to create awareness and improve attitudes towards mental illnesses and help seekers.
On its part, the government of India has come up with new complimentary measures which are deemed helpful such as Tele-MANAS, a helpline aimed at providing free of charge mental health consultations on the phone to needy callers. There is an increase in the demand for mental health promotion in the educational sector as well as in workplaces, hence making available the counseling services.
Key Mental Health Developments:
- Suicide Prevention Initiatives: Campaigns which combat the high suicide rates in India and in particular, those of students and farmers, who are the most affected.
- Mental Health in Schools: The focus has shifted to the appreciation of health education particularly the mental health of students who are usually under academic stress.
5. AI and Digital Technology in Indian Healthcare
India is happily welcoming AI and digital advancements aimed at transforming the provision of health care services in the country. Hospitals are implementing AI in diagnostics, predictive healthcare, patient management systems, making the work of doctors easier and enhancing decision accuracy. For instance, AI is applied to screen early stages of diseases such as cancer and diabetic retinopathy.
There has been a notable increase in the use of telemedicine systems especially in the remote rural setups where there is a limited presence of healthcare providers. Millions of tele-consults have been enabled through the government E-Sanjeevani platform, enabling cheaper and faster healthcare access in the hinterlands. This is regarded as a huge leap toward the primary goal of enabling health for all in the country.
- The Increase of Obesity and Other Related Risk
The increasing obesity levels and other lifestyle-related diseases is yet another problem in India health system, which is even worse in cities. This is because people have begun to change their eating habits, become idle, and eat more fast foods than ever before.
It has been reported that about 25 % of urban indians are classified into the overweight or obese category leading to high cases of diabetes, hyper tension and heart diseases. The government is also implementing programs like the Fit India Movement to promote the well being of the population.
Conclusion
The health sector in India is confronted with several challenges which include communicable diseases like dengue and non-communicable diseases like diabetes. However, on account of the government’s efforts, the emergence of new technologies and the rise of the population’s health awareness in the country, the nation is doing considerably well in terms of improving health care in terms of access and quality to the citizens. Information on current health issues and trends is useful to all individuals as it enables them to make informed choices regarding their health thereby leading to a healthier society.
