Proactive intervention for a healthier tomorrow
The World Health Organisation (WHO) assessed that 25% Indians are at risk of premature death from non-communicable diseases. There are 2.5 million cancer patients in India and more than 63 million people reported as living with diabetes in 2013.
The number of diabetic patients is projected to rise to 101.2 million in the next 15 years. A report by the Harvard School of Public Health stated that India could incur a cost of 4.58 trillion dollars between 2012 to 2030 due to non-communicable diseases and mental health disorders.
With these staggering numbers, there is a pressing need for proactive screening that can go a long way in preventing the occurrence of such diseases. Thanks to advanced technology, this is now possible!
Role of Technology in Healthcare
Technological advances have revolutionised our lives but nowhere is the difference more significant than in healthcare. In addition to modern medicines, and high-quality diagnostic techniques, there is a recent development where technology has been adopted for early detection and prevention of lifestyle diseases.
Early detection in diseases such as cancer is believed to go a long way in reducing the mortality rate.
Government Initiatives for Preventive Healthcare
The Health Ministry of India has taken several steps to help reduce non-communicable diseases by the introduction of cardiac care clinics, non-communicable disease clinics at the primary and secondary healthcare level.
In July 2016, the government proposed a programme that will be part of the National Health Mission – ‘Prevention, Screening and Control of Common Non-Communicable Diseases'. Under this plan, the government intends to conduct door-to-door screening for detection of cancer, cardiovascular disorders and other non-communicable diseases. Such an initiative will provide better access to modern screening technology to people across all strata of society.
As a pilot project, the first phase is proposed to be rolled out in 100 districts by the end of 2016. It is believed to cost ₹321 crore and will be implemented by Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) and Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) workers in coordination with state authorities. This move is an ambitious attempt to detect diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disorders early, which account for over 35% of deaths in the country and more than 55% of premature mortality in 30-69 year age group.
This proactive approach of early detection and screening for cancer, diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases and other non-communicable diseases gives hope to curb the growing instances of non-communicable diseases in India.
Role of Insurance in Preventive Healthcare
Several insurance providers have also taken significant steps towards preventive healthcare, with a shift in approach from reactive to proactive approaches for healthcare and wellness.
ICICI Lombard, through its wellness programes under the health insurance policy, encourages policyholder to adopt a proactive approach to health. Unlike the conventional health insurance plan, reimbursements are provided not only for hospitalisation but also for routine preventive screening techniques, vaccinations, yoga and gymnasium memberships, etc. Furthermore, keeping pace with time, ICICI Lombard has also introduced cutting-edge technology in insurance sector.
Now, with an health insurance policy, plan not only for your finances but also for good health and wellness.