0
0
New Delhi, June 5, 2024 – India has made significant strides in its healthcare sector, but addressing emerging infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remains a critical priority, stated Dr. Ishwar Gilada, Secretary General of the People’s Health Organisation-India, in a recent interview with IANS.
Dr. Gilada emphasized the notable progress in maternal and child health, as well as the fight against tuberculosis. “The infant mortality rate, under-five mortality rate, and maternal mortality rates have come down significantly,” he remarked, highlighting these as key indicators of the country’s healthcare advancements.
Despite these achievements, Dr. Gilada underscored the urgent need to enhance primary healthcare infrastructure. “The most important thing is primary healthcare infrastructure,” he said, advocating for improvements in manpower and access to medicines.
Emerging infectious diseases continue to pose a significant threat in India. Issues related to HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria remain prevalent and require sustained efforts to combat them. Dr. Gilada, who also leads the Organised Medicine Academic Guild (OMAG), pointed out the necessity of addressing these diseases alongside the rise of NCDs.
“The average lifespan of Indians has increased to almost 71 years for males and 73 years for females from 34 years in 1947,” Dr. Gilada noted. However, he cautioned that India still lags behind richer and larger countries by about 10 years in life expectancy.
Dr. Gilada also drew attention to the growing burden of lifestyle-related NCDs such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and tobacco-related issues, which elevate the risk of cancers. These conditions are becoming increasingly common and represent a significant challenge for the healthcare system.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Gilada called for equitable healthcare access, particularly for those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. “Having equity in care” is essential to ensure that advancements in healthcare reach all segments of the population, he asserted.
As India continues to develop its healthcare sector, the dual focus on combating infectious diseases and addressing the rise of NCDs will be crucial in improving overall public health and achieving greater life expectancy parity with more developed nations.
