Non-Communicable Diseases and their Challenges in India

Abstract

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are one of the major concerns of the 21st century globally. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) show a higher burden of NCDs including India. The country has launched various programs for the control and prevention of NCDs, but the organization, integration, and implementation of NCD-related health services and programs face many challenges. The objective of this review article is to study the trends and challenges in the prevention and control of common NCDs in India and find probable solutions to them. Methodology: Search on PubMed and Google Scholar databases was done. Out of 387 relevant articles, 50 were included. Websites of various institutes and government portals were searched. Data were compiled and studied for identifying the challenges and their solutions. Results: The challenges were organized at four levels – community, facility, health system and policy, and research as per the WHO Innovative Care for Chronic Conditions frameworks (WHO ICCC) such as identification of eligible beneficiaries, shortage of infrastructure and workforce, lack of skills and need for training, inadequate data, poor surveillance, and monitoring systems and limited research. Conclusion: India’s growing NCD burden needs to be addressed by health-promoting partnerships, policies, and programs. To create successful national, multisectoral program for prevention and control of NCDs, high-level political commitment, intersectoral coordination, and community mobilization is required. Learnings from various other programs could be incorporated for effective management of NCDs in India. A more scientific research-based focus needs to be given to AYUSH and other non-medical interventions.