MAPPING WELLNESS, Pg12.

Key Highlights:

• The National Health Policy of 2017 emphasized focus on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) like heart ailments and diabetes.
• The Global Burden of Disease study indicates a pronounced shift towards NCDs, highlighting the impact of pollution and unhealthy lifestyles.
• NCDs account for approximately 65% of deaths in India, with a quarter of these deaths occurring below the age of 70.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) constitutes over 75% of India's respiratory disease burden.

Detailed Insights:

• The epidemiological transition towards NCDs has become more evident since the 2017 policy, necessitating a revised healthcare strategy.
• While Indians are living longer, chronic diseases are diminishing the quality of life for senior citizens.
• A significant portion of Indians succumb to NCDs at a younger age compared to the US and China, impacting families and the economy.
• COPD often goes undiagnosed due to doctors targeting symptoms instead of following proper diagnostic protocols.
• Strengthening the diagnostic capabilities of doctors at Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) is crucial.
• An integrated approach combining medical research with nutritional and ecological sciences is essential.
• Raising awareness about healthy choices from a young age and building synergies between environmental and health projects is vital.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): Chronic diseases that are not infectious and cannot be transmitted from person to person.
• Epidemiological Transition: A shift in disease patterns from infectious diseases to chronic, degenerative diseases.
• National Health Policy: A set of guidelines and principles that serve as a framework for the health sector in India.