An Indus Health Plus report has revealed that there is an increasing concern of non-communicable diseases in Mumbai.  Maharashtra is expected to spend Rs.722.7 crore on treatment for non-communicable diseases by 2026.

It had been observed in the report that Mumbai seemed to be under the burden of lifestyle diseases like diabetes, cancer and obesity. 15.11 per cent of population is suffering from diabetes followed by obesity 14.29 per cent. In fact obesity has given rise to diabetes cases.  Almost 75 per cent of working women population was found to have risk factors for breast cancer and 25-30 per cent of females did not underwent for breast cancer check up at the right age.The western culture and sedentary lifestyle gave rise in the numbers of heart problems detected. People as young as 30 years were also found with heart blockage.

Internationally, 7th April is observed as World Health Day. According to the WHO's Department of Health Statistics and Informatics, by 2030, non-communicable diseases (NCD’s) are expected to cause more than three-fourths of all deaths across nations. In India, lifestyle diseases like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer are increasing at a rapid pace and are expected to cost India income losses of about $236 billion by 2015. India alone accounts for 17 per cent of global deaths due to NCDs and 24 per cent of disability adjusted life years.

Therefore this World Health Day, efforts are being made to create awareness on prevention and early detection of lifestyle diseases.

Approximately 35-40 per cent of the population from the younger and early middle age group was found diabetic. Wrong eating habits and a shift to junk food has led to obesity amongst Mumbaikars. There is a strong bend towards sedentary lifestyle off late which has led to increase in lifestyle diseases. A poor diet with less intake of iron was found while conversing with doctors who showcased increased numbers of anaemia and Vitamin B12 deficiency cases. The report is based on people who underwent preventive healthcare checkups.

According to Amol Naikawadi, joint managing director, Indus Health Plus, “The main focus of people should be on wellness and prevention of lifestyle diseases and to create a culture of healthy living among younger generation. The only way to reduce the cost of investment in treating lifestyle diseases is through investing in preventive healthcare which is one third of money invested in curative measures.”

“Preventive check-up and early detection helps in effective treatment and also increases life expectancy. We are consistently trying to spread awareness and therefore make it imperative for one and all to take preventive health check-up before it’s late” added Naikawadi.

If a person leads a healthier and more productive life then the county stand to gain a significant economic upside. It is estimated that
one per cent annual decline in CVD mortality rate alone can increase the per capita income in India by 87 per cent by 2030.

This World Health Day lets pledge that we will take a step ahead to control lifestyle diseases by adopting healthy behaviours, such as being physically active, eating a healthy and balanced diet, avoiding the harmful use of alcohol and not smoking or using tobacco products.