Source: HINDU

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Context

With non-communicable diseases in focus, a World Bank report proposes a healthy longevity initiative which takes a life course approach.

What is the ‘Healthy Longevity Initiative’?

The Healthy Longevity Initiative (HLI) is a global plan by the World Bank to promote better health and reduce deaths from chronic diseases, especially in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) like India.

Published in 2024, the World Bank report, Unlocking the Power of Healthy Longevity, highlights that the world is experiencing a major shift towards an aging population.

This change brings a rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, which are now the top causes of death in LMICs. The report outlines steps to reduce these diseases and help people live healthier lives as they age.

HLI imagines a world in which health care is accessible, doctors and nurses, and para medical staff are competent, honest, and committed to proper patient care, hospitals are well-equipped, the monitoring of patients is systematic and digitised, and there is an awareness of benefits of early detection and treatment of NCDs.

The World Bank has set ambitious goals with HLI:

Decrease the number of people dying from avoidable diseases.

Enhance physical, mental, and social well-being for people in their middle and older ages.

Reduce the time people suffer from severe health issues before they pass away.

Projections suggest a global surge in deaths from 61 million in 2023 to 92 million in 2050, as well as related increases in needs for NCD-related hospitalisation and long-term care.

If LMICs make progress, experts believe that by 2050, up to 25 million lives could be saved each year, cutting avoidable deaths by half. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) to improve health and well-being for all.

India’s Growing Elderly Population and Health Challenges

India has the second-largest elderly population in the world, with over 140 million people aged 60 or above. This group is growing at three times the rate of the rest of the population, creating a unique set of challenges as they face higher risks of NCDs. As people age, they are more likely to develop conditions like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

These diseases have severe impacts on both families and the country:

Families may become impoverished due to the high cost of treating NCDs.

Increased deaths and poor health in the workforce can lead to lower investments and slow economic growth.

The government faces high healthcare costs from both NCDs and infectious diseases.

A failure to act now could hurt India’s ability to meet SDG 3 for good health and well-being, especially its target to reduce premature mortality from NCDs by one-third by 2030.

Read about India’s ageing population: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/india-ageing-report

The Rising Rates of NCDs in India

The percentage of deaths caused by NCDs in India has been steadily rising. In 1990, NCDs accounted for 40% of all deaths. By 2030, NCDs are expected to cause about 75% of all deaths.

Currently, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, respiratory illness and diabetes are the leading causes of deaths in India, accounting for almost 50% of all deaths.

Several risk factors are contributing to this increase in NCDs:

Sedentary lifestyles, poor diets high in sugar and saturated fats, and lack of regular exercise are common.

Many people use tobacco and alcohol, which significantly increase the risk of various chronic diseases.

Many people, especially in rural areas, cannot access healthcare services for regular check-ups and screenings, making it harder to prevent and detect NCDs early.

Read about Status Of Non-Communicable Diseases In India: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/status-of-non-communicable-diseases-in-india

Social Security and Health Programs

To help address these health challenges, various social security schemes aim to support elderly people in managing their health expenses.

Although small, pensions help low-income elderly people cover some healthcare expenses.

Health insurance can reduce the financial burden of healthcare costs, but it faces several challenges:

• Many people are unaware of their eligibility for insurance.
• The paperwork is complex and often leads to delays.
• Claims are frequently denied, which discourages people from using insurance.

The Ayushman Bharat Scheme aims to provide health insurance to the poorest 40% of households. However, due to limited funding, strict eligibility requirements, and issues like corruption, many people still struggle to get the benefits.

For instance, a 2023 audit report found that many ineligible people received benefits while legitimate patients faced long delays and rejected claims.

High Costs of Healthcare

Private hospitals in India often charge high prices for treatments.

In response, the Supreme Court ordered the government in 2024 to find ways to regulate these rates. Setting price caps is expected to make healthcare more affordable, but these regulations only work if enforcement is strong. When enforcement is weak, hospitals may still overcharge patients, making healthcare unaffordable for many.

Government Initiatives

For ageing population

National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)

Ayushman Bharat

Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY)

The Importance of Behavioral Changes

In addition to healthcare access, behavioral changes are essential for preventing NCDs.

Regular exercise and a balanced diet with fewer high-calorie and high-fat foods can lower the risk of NCDs.

Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol can greatly reduce the risk of diseases like heart disease and cancer.

The government can support these changes by raising taxes on unhealthy products, making it more expensive to buy tobacco, alcohol, and junk food.

Conclusion

The Healthy Longevity Initiative proposes an ambitious plan to improve global health and reduce chronic diseases. For countries like India achieving these goals will require improvements in healthcare accessibility, cost regulation, and promoting healthier lifestyles. Although challenges remain, the success of these efforts could mean a healthier & more economically stable future.

Sources: HINDU