Preventive healthcare means detection of diseases at an early stage in an individual through various check-ups which ascertain whether the various types of organs in the body are functioning properly. It is a way to understand and detect non-communicable diseases and lifestyle diseases such as autoimmune diseases, heart diseases, stroke, cancers, diabetes, and others which are asymptomatic in nature.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) mainly cardiovascular, respiratory, diabetes, mental disorders and cancer have been identified as a major challenge to health, economic growth and national development. Every year, roughly 5.8 million Indians die from heart and lung diseases, stroke, cancer and diabetes. Globalization, rapid economic growth and population ageing are major drivers behind the non-communicable diseases epidemic.
According to WHO report, 16 million of deaths are attributed to non-communicable diseases. Out of these premature deaths, 82 per cent occurred in low- and middle-income countries. Children, adults and the elderly are all vulnerable to the risk factors that contribute to non-communicable diseases, whether from unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, exposure to tobacco smoke or the effects of the harmful use of alcohol.
To lessen the impact of non-communicable diseases on individuals and society, a comprehensive approach is required. To reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases primary health care approach should be considered to strengthen early detection and timely treatment. Evidence shows that such interventions are excellent economic investments because, if applied to patients early, can reduce the need for more expensive treatment.
Preventive health care plays an important role to control and reduce non-communicable diseases which are on rise in India. Due to the increase of lifestyle diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart ailments, among the working generation; preventive healthcare has become an absolute essential. Treatments are expensive and the survivals rates for disease like cancer are extremely low because of late detection. Hence it is important to understand the potential risk of lifestyle diseases and go for regular and timely screenings.
There is a growing consciousness about health related issues among people, giving a boost to preventive health checkups in hospitals. Annual health check-ups, which were largely the privilege of corporate executives, are now being sought after by the middle class as well. Most hospitals routinely cater to walk-in patients that avail of the tailor-made packages for all age groups.
The Assocham report on preventive healthcare and its impact on corporate sector states that “One rupee spent on prevention saves Rs. I33 in absenteeism costs and Rs. 6.62 in healthcare costs.” This report further states that preventive health checkups can have a significant effect in minimizing absenteeism and can have relative economic impact in corporate organizations. Corporates should encourage their employees to undertake preventive health checkups. Employees undertaking regular health checkups have 45 per cent lesser absenteeism and their medical reimbursements are 20 per cent less.
Though people are moving towards prevention, the out of pocket expenses incurred by a large section of population still remains high. Tackling this burden of non-communicable diseases and high out of pocket expenses requires focus on preventive care at primary level and secondary level.
In India healthcare sector is gradually moving from curative to preventive healthcare. With rising awareness levels both in the urban and rural areas and increasing disposable incomes, the coming decade is expected to witness increased demand for preventive healthcare. In India total preventive healthcare market estimated over US $ 800 million in 2015. The market offers a tremendous opportunity to bring in innovative technology solutions. Healthcare players are moving into direction of higher user/patient empowerment and better patient engagement models.
According to industry analysts, there has been a growth of 25 per cent in the preventive health care market over the past five years. Therefore, the main focus areas for government in healthcare sector in 2015 were on preventive healthcare. The free diagnosis services under health for all is encouraging more people to undergo healthcare checkups which will further help in early diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The National Health Assurance Mission focused on improving preventive healthcare services by ensuring adequate availability of medical practitioners in rural areas.
There is need to emphasize on preventive measures to reduce exposure to risk factors. Facilities and capacity for screening, early diagnosis and effective management are required within the public health care system. Public awareness programme, integrated management and strong monitoring system would be required for successful implementation of the programme and making services universally accessible in the country. To strengthen and manage the healthcare needs of population the government, private players and society should work together to provide quality healthcare.
Government should work on an integrated and comprehensive approach that gives emphasis on health promotion, prevention of exposure to risk factors and family level, early diagnosis through screening and better diagnostic facilities, improved capacity for management and universal access to health services.
Following are some listed approaches which may help to further strengthen preventive heath care in the country:
a) Health promotion for healthy lifestyles that preclude non-communicable diseases and their risk factors
b)Health promotion, screening, basic medical care, home-based care and referral system (integration with National Rural Health Mission (NRHM)
c)Strengthening district hospitals for diagnosis and management of non-communicable diseases
d)Corporate should also be incentivised for their interest in preventive measures for employees
e)Government should make routine health checkup mandatory from the age of 25 years through healthcare programmes
f)Need to create personal health records and encourage screening of diseases amongst the population
g)Make it mandatory for schools and colleges for initiating health programmes for early screening and promoting positive health.
Health is the greatest assets a person possesses. If the principle of “prevention is better than cure” is strictly and faithfully followed, much physical and mental suffering can be avoided, and a considerable amount of expense need not be incurred.
(Author is founder and preventive healthcare expert, Indus Health Plus, Shivaji Nagar, Pune 411 004)