Fri Nov 22 19:35:45 UTC 2024: ## India Faces Looming Healthcare Crisis Due to Unchecked Diabetes and Hypertension

**New Delhi, [Date]** – India is grappling with a growing public health crisis fueled by the unchecked rise of diabetes and hypertension, according to a public health expert. Lack of awareness, limited early screening, and delayed intervention are contributing to a “double-edged sword” effect, where these interconnected diseases accelerate the onset of serious complications like cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and stroke.

Over half a billion people globally live with diabetes, a number projected to more than double in the next 30 years. Similarly, over a billion people worldwide suffer from hypertension, a leading cause of premature death. Alarmingly, more than 50% of those with diabetes and nearly 46% of adults with hypertension remain unaware of their condition.

This lack of awareness, particularly in rural and underserved areas, is hindering effective management. The expert highlights that the cost of treating advanced complications – including kidney transplants (₹6-15 lakhs) and cardiac surgery (₹1-15 lakhs) – far surpasses the relatively inexpensive cost of early intervention and medication (potentially up to ₹10,000 annually, or free in government hospitals).

The expert calls for a three-pronged approach: increased public awareness campaigns, enhanced access to affordable screenings, and robust implementation of existing programs like the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS). Early detection and lifestyle changes are crucial for mitigating the societal and economic burden of these diseases, preventing costly treatments, and improving overall health outcomes. The expert concludes that addressing this challenge requires a concerted effort from both individuals, who must prioritize preventive care, and the government, which must ensure the effective reach and utilization of existing healthcare programs.

Read More