Health experts participating at a round-table organised by India Health Progress (IHP) on the economic and social impact of non-communicable diseases in India are of the opinion that a concerted effort is required to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in the country and also say that universal access to preventive and curative intervention is crucial to stem the growing graph.

A review of a variety of papers assessing the burden of non-communicable diseases in India has just been released by the Cameron Institute, an independent think tank. The Cameron Institute analysis concludes that the economic impacts of chronic non-communicable disease in India will be enormous with the most preventable: heart diseases, strokes, and diabetes alone costing a whopping USD237 billion in the country’s national income during 2006-15.

The study also highlights the fact that since many of the costs associated with chronic disease conditions can be avoided, measures must be taken to promote healthy lifestyle, behaviours and environments so that Indians get to experience better health and continued growth in its economic prosperity.

‘India Health Progress’ is an independent platform, launched on August 15, 2010, aimed at bringing together all like minded organizations to address the long standing issue of healthcare inaccessibility in India. The round-table by India Health Progress brought together the Government organizations, NGO community, consumer advocates and industry in a collaborative effort to address an important health and economic issue that will impact India's future growth and prosperity.

Experts at the round-table highlighted the best practices in preventing and managing chronic diseases and for promoting effective preventions and interventions. Among those who participated included Kamini Walia, director, R&D at PATH; Dr Ratna Devi, chief executive, Chronic Care Foundation and Dr Rana J Singh, technical advisor, The Union South East Asia International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease.

Well known consumer expert Bejon Misra made a detailed presentation on the role of consumer organizations in strengthening the healthcare delivery system in India. This was followed by a presentation by Prashant Mathur, a senior scientist with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on the role of public sector in improving access to healthcare. Senior columnist Ashok Malik moderated the discussion.

 Aman Gupta, principal advisor, India Health Progress said, “India Health Progress seeks to build consciousness in the minds of Indian audience around healthcare inaccessibility. With today’s initiative, we intend to generate a dialogue on the growing economic and social burden of chronic non-communicable diseases, create community and political support for prevention and disease management programmes and promote the private sector engagement in workplace wellness programmes.”