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.
“In India, mortality due to NCDs was estimated at 5.9 million, accounting for 60 per cent of deaths in 2012. The NCD burden is already undermining social and economic development, which is likely to increase over the next two decades. If concerted measures are not taken, NCDs will cost India approximately $3.5 trillion between 2012 and 2030, in terms of lost economic output,” said Dr Nata Menabde.
While globalisation, urbanisation, rapid economic growth and population ageing are major drivers behind the NCD epidemic, most of the premature deaths from NCDs are linked to common mistakes like tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity that can be prevented by promoting healthy public policies and strengthening the health system, she added.