JP Nadda Calls for Preventive Revolution as NCDs Account for 60% of Deaths

India is ramping up its public health response to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda calling for a decisive shift toward prevention, early detection, and lifestyle transformation, as these diseases now account for nearly 60% of all deaths in the country.

Addressing a high-level session titled "Addressing Non-Communicable Diseases in India: From Preventive to Care" during the 18th Civil Services Day celebrations, the Minister outlined a comprehensive strategy combining infrastructure expansion, mass screening, digital health, and behavioural change.

From Treatment to Prevention: A Policy Shift

Highlighting India's evolving healthcare framework, Shri Nadda emphasized the transition from a treatment-centric approach to a holistic healthcare model encompassing:

• Preventive and promotive care

• Curative and rehabilitative services

• Geriatric and palliative care

He noted that while India has made significant progress in controlling communicable diseases, NCDs—such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and respiratory illnesses—require sustained focus due to their long-term nature and complex risk factors.

Massive Screening Drive Across the Country

One of the most significant interventions has been large-scale population screening:

• 41.5 crore screened for hypertension, with 7.1 crore diagnosed

• 41.3 crore screened for diabetes, with 4.7 crore cases detected

• 35.3 crore screened for oral cancer, identifying 2.3 lakh cases

• 16.5 crore screened for breast cancer

• 8.73 crore screened for cervical cancer, with over 1.1 lakh cases diagnosed

These efforts, the Minister said, are enabling early diagnosis and timely treatment, crucial for reducing mortality and healthcare costs.

Expanding Healthcare Infrastructure Nationwide

To support this shift, India has significantly expanded its healthcare infrastructure:

• Over 1.85 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs serving as primary health contact points

• 107 district-level NCD clinics and 233 cardiac care units established

• 880 medical colleges and 23 AIIMS institutions (20 operational)

Additionally, the government has allocated ₹64,000 crore under the Health Infrastructure Mission to bridge gaps between primary, secondary, and tertiary care systems.

A major upcoming initiative includes the establishment of a day care cancer centre in every district, aimed at improving accessibility to cancer treatment.

Digital Health Revolution: 46 Crore Teleconsultations

India's digital health ecosystem is playing a critical role in addressing NCDs, particularly in rural areas.

Through the eSanjeevani telemedicine platform, over 46.4 crore consultations have been delivered, enabling:

• Remote diagnosis and specialist consultations

• Reduced travel burden for rural patients

• Real-time interaction between community health workers and doctors

This dual model—provider-to-provider and patient-to-doctor—is helping bridge the urban-rural healthcare divide.

Lifestyle Changes Key to Reducing Disease Burden

Shri Nadda highlighted that nearly 70% of NCD risk factors are linked to lifestyle choices, making prevention a critical priority.

Government initiatives such as:

• Fit India Movement

• Eat Right India campaign

• Anti-tobacco legislation and awareness drives

are aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles, including reduced consumption of salt, sugar, and edible oils, along with increased physical activity and yoga.

He also stressed the importance of community sensitization, urging citizens to adopt healthier habits and influence behavioural change within families and communities.

Obesity Emerging as a Major Concern

Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted the growing challenge of obesity, citing data showing:

• 24% of women and 23% of men in India are overweight or obese

She noted that rising urbanization, processed food consumption, and sedentary lifestyles are driving this trend, increasing the risk of NCDs.

Efforts such as the 75x25 initiative and Swasth Nari, Sashakt Pariwar Abhiyan are targeting prevention through awareness, screening, and community engagement.

A Whole-of-Government Approach

Officials emphasized that tackling NCDs requires a multi-sectoral strategy, involving:

• Health systems strengthening

• Nutrition and food safety regulations

• School-based awareness programmes

• Workplace wellness initiatives

Experts, including Prof. (Dr.) S.K. Sarin of ILBS, stressed the importance of early screening and preventive action to reduce long-term disease burden.

Toward a Healthier India

The session underscored a clear message: India's fight against NCDs will be won not just in hospitals, but through prevention, awareness, and lifestyle transformation.

With large-scale screening, expanding infrastructure, and digital health innovations, the country is building a comprehensive response to one of its biggest public health challenges—ensuring that healthcare becomes not just accessible, but proactive, preventive, and people-centric.