The Centre has set up a ‘National Task Force on Brain Health’, to address the rising concerns surrounding neurological disorders in India. Archana Jyoti speaks to its Chairman and Director of IHBAS, Dr RAJINDER K Dhamija, unveiling the task force’s healthcare impact
In low- and middle-income countries, 43 per cent of children under the age of five face challenges in reaching their developmental potential due to factors like extreme poverty and growth stunting.
This not only results in financial losses but also predicts a 26 per cent reduction in annual earnings during adulthood. Against such a disturbing background, the Government’s top think tank Niti Aayog has come forward to set up a high-level panel to formulate policies for primary, secondary, and tertiary-level hospitals in the country. Spearheaded by Dr RK Dhamija who is also the Director of the Delhi-based Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Services (IHBAS), the task force has eight members.
These are Dr Manjri Tripathi, HOD Neurology, AIIMS Delhi, Dr Veena Kalra, ex-professor and Head Paediatrics, AIIMS Delhi, Dr Rabinder Singh, Neuro-rehabilitation scientist, ICMR, Rajib Kumar Sen, senior advisor, NITI Aayog, Indrani Kaushal, Economic Advisor, Union Health Ministry. the others are Radhika Chakravarthy B and Rajesh Yadav, Joint Secretaries from the Union Ministry of Social and Justice empowerment, and Dr Suvarna from NIMHANS, Bangalore.
Excerpts from the interview:
Dr Dhamija, kindly tell us more about the establishment of the National Task Force on Brain Health and its objectives.
Thank you for having me. The World Health Organisation (WHO) in its 75th General Assembly adopted the Inter-sectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and other neurological disorders 2022–2031. This provides the vision, goal, guiding principles, and strategic objectives with their action areas and targets for member states. India being a major economic power is also a signatory to this resolution which suggests a range of proposed actions for member states. The task force is in line with WHO resolution as well as in response to the growing challenges posed by neurological disorders, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its primary objective is to address the gaps in brain healthcare accessibility and quality across all levels of healthcare delivery in India, from Aayushman Arogya Mandirs to District Hospitals and tertiary institutions.
How do you envision it making an impact?
As I said, the increasing prevalence of neurological disorders and the disparities in healthcare access across different segments of society were significant motivating factors in the establishment of this central task force. The government recognized the urgent need for a coordinated effort to tackle these issues comprehensively. Through the task force, we aim to recommend actionable steps to strengthen the healthcare system, improve early diagnosis and treatment, and promote neurological health through preventive measures.
Can you elaborate on some of the specific challenges or gaps in brain healthcare that the task force aims to address?
Certainly. One major challenge is the unequal distribution of healthcare resources, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This leads to disparities in access to specialized care and diagnostic facilities for neurological conditions. Additionally, there is a lack of awareness about neurological disorders among the general population, which often results in delayed diagnosis and treatment. The task force will work towards bridging these gaps by recommending strategies to improve healthcare infrastructure, raise awareness, and enhance the capacity of healthcare providers. Here I would like to mention that at IHBAS we have set up Neuropalliative Care OPD services to identify and cater to the evolving needs of patients and caregivers with the aim of improving their quality of life and enhancing well-being and overall psychosocial functioning through a holistic multidisciplinary approach.
What are some of the key priorities or focus areas for the task force, particularly in the coming months?
Your brain allows you to think, feel, communicate, move, coordinate, remember, make decisions, and live a productive life. That’s why, keeping it healthy is so important and that’s what will be our panel’s priority. We will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current state of brain healthcare in India, including an analysis of existing policies, infrastructure, and resources. Based on this assessment, we will develop a set of actions, and give recommendations to address the identified gaps and challenges. The panel has to submit a report by July 15, 2024.
How do you see the task force contributing to the broader goal of improving brain healthcare in India?
Our ultimate aim is to create a more inclusive and effective healthcare system that meets the needs of all individuals affected by neurological disorders. Through collaboration with government agencies, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders, we aim to build a more resilient and responsive healthcare system that prioritizes brain health for all. Neurological disorders rank as the leading cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) globally, resulting in approximately 9 million deaths annually. The prevalence of neurological disorders underscores their significant impact, with 1 in 3 individuals expected to experience such conditions during their lifetime. These disorders rank as the foremost cause of disability and the second leading cause of death globally. The WHO's position paper launched on August 9, 2022, provides a detailed framework for understanding brain health and the importance of optimizing brain health for all.
What is the status of brain health in India vis a vis world?
In India, as in many parts of the world, issues related to brain health present significant challenges that require urgent attention. While specific data on the status of brain health in India compared to the rest of the world may vary, neurological disorders are increasingly recognized as a major public health concern in India. Conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, headache disorders, Parkinson's disease, and dementia impose a substantial burden on individuals, families, and healthcare systems.
Moreover, disparities in healthcare access and infrastructure are pervasive in India, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The limited availability of specialized professionals, diagnostic facilities, and trained healthcare paramedics poses significant challenges for individuals seeking diagnosis and treatment.
Due to a lack of awareness and understanding of neurological disorders among the general population in India, patients are diagnosed late. Also, inadequate treatment and social stigma further add to the burden on affected individuals and their families. Socioeconomic factors such as poverty, limited education, and inadequate access to healthcare services contribute to the burden of neurological disorders in India.
