Parliament Question: Rise of non-communicable diseases across different age groups

GOVERNMENT OFINDIA MINISTRYOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE RAJYASABHA UNSTARREDQUESTION NO. 1206 TOBE ANSWERED ON10th FEBRUARY,2026 RISE OFNON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASESACROSS DIFFERENTAGE GROUPS 1206.DR.ASHOKKUMAR MITTAL Will the Ministerof HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE be pleasedtostate: (a)whether Governmenthasassessed the risingprevalenceof chronic diseases suchasobesity, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions and cancer across different age groups and regions, if so, the detailsthereof,if not,the reasons therefor; (b) the reasons identified for this increase, including lifestyle, dietary patterns, environmental factorsandgeneticpredisposition, if so, the detailsthereof,if not,the reasons therefor; (c) the measures being taken to prevent, detect early and manage chronic diseases at the primaryhealthcare level; and (d) the manner in which these initiatives are expected to reduce disease burden, improve populationhealthandenhance healthcaresystem preparedness? ANSWER THE MINISTER OFSTATE INTHE MINISTRYOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE (SHRIPRATAPRAO JADHAV) (a) & (b) As per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) report “India: Health of the Nation’s States” published in 2017, the proportion of incidence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) includingcancer, diabetes, andheart disease have increasedinIndia from 30.5% in1990 to55.4% in2016.The detailed report isavailableat the following link- https://www.healthdata.org/sites/default/files/files/policy_report/2017/India_Health_of_the_Nati on%27s_States_Report_2017.pdf There are several risk factors associated with NCDs including tobacco and alcohol consumption, lowphysical activities, unhealthydiets, consumption of highsalt, sugar andsaturated fats, etc. (c) & (d) The Department of Health and Family Welfare provides technical and financial support to States and Union Territories across the country under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) as part of the National Health Mission (NHM). The Programme focuses on strengthening infrastructure, human resource development, screening, early diagnosis, referral, treatment, and health promotion for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).Under the Programme, 770 District NCD Clinics, 364 Day Care Cancer Centres, and 6410 NCD Clinics at Community Health Centres have been set up. As per the announcement of Union Budget 2025-26, for financial year 2025-26, 297 Day Care Cancer Centres (DCCCs) have been approved for establishment across the country to strengthen decentralized cancer care by aligninginfrastructure development with patientneeds. A population-based screening, management and prevention of common NCDs including cancer, diabetes and hypertension have been rolled out under National Health Mission (NHM) through AyushmanArogyaMandirs and other facilities. Under the initiative, persons more than 30 years of age are targeted for screening. Preventive aspect of NCDs is strengthened under Comprehensive Primary Health Care through Ayushman Arogya Mandir, by promotion of wellness activities and targeted communication at the community level. Further,Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), is implementing Eat Right India movement to promote healthy eating practices through mass media and social media campaigns such as “Aaj Se Thoda Kam” to encourage gradual reduction in salt, sugar and fat intake in daily diet.Fit India movement is implemented by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and various Yoga related activities are carried out by Ministry of AYUSH. In addition, NP-NCD gives financial support under NHM for awareness generation (IEC) activities for NCDs to be undertaken by the States/UTs as per their Programme ImplementationPlans (PIPs). These initiatives promote early detection and timely treatment, thereby reducing complications and disease burden. They strengthen preventive and primary healthcare services, leading to improved population health outcomes. Further, they enhance system preparedness through improvedinfrastructure, workforce capacity, andservice integration. *****