Rise in Non-Communicable Diseases & Changes in the Healthcare Sector (NSSO 2025 Report)

Introduction

In India, significant progress has been made in the healthcare sector in recent years. At the same time, changes in lifestyle have led to an increase in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), which has become a major challenge. The 2025 survey released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) highlights these two contrasting trends.

1. Decline in Communicable Diseases vs Rise in Non-Communicable Diseases

Due to improved healthcare facilities, vaccination programs (UIP), and early detection, the impact of communicable diseases has reduced. However, Hypertension and Diabetes as part of NCDs have increased.

This indicates a shift known as Epidemiological Transition.

Causes:
Sedentary lifestyle
Changes in food habits (Processed food)
Stress
Lack of physical activity

This is related to the WHO NCD Action Plan and SDG Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

2. Improvement in Maternal Healthcare

98% of deliveries taking place in hospitals is a major achievement.
Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) has declined.

Static Linkages:
Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)
Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)
Indian Constitution – Directive Principles (Article 47): Public Health

This reflects improvement in India’s Human Development Indicators.

3. Public vs Private Healthcare System

In rural areas, 70% of people depend on government hospitals.
In urban areas, private hospitals dominate.

Issues:
Difference in service quality
Urban-rural gap
Inequality in healthcare access

This relates to the concept of Social Justice & Equity in Health.

4. Health Insurance – Growth & Gaps

Insurance coverage increased from 16.6% to 45.85%
Major schemes:
Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY
Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme (TN)

However:
Out-of-pocket expenditure (OOP) remains high
Partial coverage and exclusions
Unregulated charges in private hospitals

This shows that Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is yet to be fully achieved.

5. Role of Government vs Market Dominance

Dependence on insurance-based healthcare is increasing.
This leads to the issue of Privatization of Healthcare.

Political & Administrative Perspective:
Government’s fundamental responsibility: Healthcare (Article 21 – Right to Life)
Contradicts the Welfare State principle

Conclusion / Way Forward

Although India has made progress in healthcare, the rise in NCDs and the burden of healthcare expenses remain major challenges.

Therefore:
Strengthening Primary Health Centres
Improving preventive healthcare
Increasing government expenditure (2.5% of GDP – National Health Policy 2017 target)
Regulating the private sector

Since “Healthy human capital equals a strong economy”, strengthening public healthcare services is the long-term solution.