Leading public health experts joined hands to address the growing epidemic proportions of chronic diseases and the urgent need to deal with the same at a roundtable titled ‘Developing Capacities to Tackle Chronic Diseases’ held at New Delhi on November 14, 2011. The conference was organised by FICCI, in collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb and supported by India Health Progress and was conducted on the world diabetes day.

Aman Gupta, principal advisor, India Health Progress said, “We need to analyse and arrest the causes for the silent but menacing rise in chronic diseases which are threatening not only the health of our citizens, but also the economic well-being of the nation.”

Cardiovascular diseases, mental health disorders, diabetes and cancer are the four major chronic diseases plaguing the country. According to recent WHO statistics, these are the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in India, responsible for more than two thirds of the total disease burden. These are also a major cause of poverty, loss of productivity and quality of life. Without adequate and immediate intervention, the burden is expected to rise manifold in the next 25 years. It is projected that annual losses in national income in India from NCDs will exceed $10 billion and claim more than five million lives per year.

Experts at the round table highlighted the best practices in preventing and managing chronic diseases and for promoting effective preventions and interventions.


Keshav Desiraju, additional secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said, “Each chronic disease requires a special approach. what the government needs more than money is managerial skills.” There is an immediate need for concerted and co-ordinated efforts to address the growing social and economic burden of chronic diseases. Meaningful dialogue, strong commitment and serious investment would offer an effective solution.