India Health Progress (IHP) in association with Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (PFCD) has organised an expert round table recently on ‘Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Burden in India: Strategising the Way Forward’ in New Delhi.
The conference stressed that NCDs are the prime cause of death and disability worldwide, having killed more than 36 million people in 2008. Indians are presently prone to four major NCDs – cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and chronic lung diseases.
Speaking at the event, Dr Kenneth Thorpe, chairman, PFCD, said, “Since Indians have high risk factors for NCDs, preventive measures should be implemented urgently. While the broad range of preventive measures are well known, proper implementation will determine actual success. WHO data indicates there will be a cumulative rise in heart diseases, stroke and diabetes, with India slated to lose $237 billion between 2005 and 2015 due to illness-related causes. But nations cannot act in isolation. Considering the universal impact of NCDs, global cooperation is imperative to combat the epidemic.”
Chronic NCDs have replaced communicable diseases as the most common causes of morbidity and premature mortality worldwide. About 80 per cent of disease burden occurs in low and middle-income nations, with 25 per cent being individuals under 60 years. By 2015, two diseases – CVD and diabetes – are expected to reduce global GDP by 5 per cent. Taking cognizance of the growing NCD burden, India’s 12th Five-Year Plan will cover major NCDs such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, chronic kidney diseases, mental disorders, Iodine Deficiency Disorders, fluorosis and ortho-dental disorders.
Dr Anil Dhall, ex-HOD and director, Cardiology, Artemis Gurgaon, said, “To boost the prevention of NCDs, the focus of all hospitals in India should be on community needs rather than bottom-line pressures. Coming to individuals, advice about lifestyle changes is resisted because people believe they are following the correct diet and lifestyle. Awareness and attitudinal change are therefore important.”
Dr S V Madhu, Prof and HOD-Department of Medicine, said, “Simply raising slogans or awareness levels will not work in controlling NCDs. Implementation of behavioural change strategies is imperative to combat the NCD menace. What we essentially need is a healthy family environment. If the problem is contained at the family level there will be cascading benefits at the societal level.”
Other keynote speakers included Dr Damodar Bachani, ex-deputy director General, NCDs, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare; Dr Tarun Seem, MBBS IRS; and Dr Prashant Mathur, Scientist D, ICMR. While Dr Bachani discussed the socio-economic impact of NCDs, Dr Seem spoke about defining the role of public and private entities to combat the NCDs burden, Dr Mathur discussed the role of research and Dr Dhall dwelt upon effective techniques and building capacity to tackle rising prevalence rates. The keynote speeches were followed by a round table discussion wherein participants made myriad suggestions and also voiced concern about the burgeoning NCD burden.
Aman Gupta, principal advisor, IHP, concluded, “With sustained exposure to risk factors such as tobacco, unhealthy diets, obesity, sedentary lifestyles and stress being the main cause of NCDs, it devolves upon all stakeholders to ensure that lay people are sensitized to the dangers of unhealthy lifestyles. As cures can be costly, time-consuming and disruptive, it’s best for individuals and the authorities to pursue preventive steps. Since the multi-stakeholder approach is best to tackle NCDs, IHP acts as a catalyst in bringing all stakeholders together to address this burgeoning problem.”