Non-communicable diseases (NCD) rise in India
Practo’s Healthcare map of India, found an increase in non-communicable diseases amongst Indians.
Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is the major reason for urban India to visit doctors.
Rapid urbanization and a fast-paced socio-economic development is contributing to the rising incidence of cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructed pulmonary disease and asthma), diabetes, hypertension etc.
In addition, poor dietary habits, physical inactivity, smoking and stress are some of the major contributors to the development and progression of preventable chronic diseases.
Pollution is suffocating India:
Air pollution has been growing alarmingly
This is reflecting in visits to Pulmonologist seeing a 62% growth
The major spike in appointments was seen across the age group of 35- 44 years
Top 3 cities that saw growth in appointments for Pulmonologists were Delhi (50%) Mumbai (64%) and Bangalore (80%)
What can you do to mitigate the risks due to pollution: quit smoking, stay indoors if air quality bad, exercise regularly, practice yoga breathing (pranaayaam), eat nutritious foods, visit your doctor, etc.
Diabetes is increasing in India:
25% growth in Diabetologists appointments
70% of the appointments booked were by patients in the age group of 25-44 years
The cities with the maximum growth in appointments compared to 2015 was Hyderabad (38%), Mumbai (40%), and Kolkata (49%)
What can you do to mitigate the threat due to diabetes: understand what is diabetes, healthy lifestyle, exercises, regular checks, etc.
Is young India young at heart:
40% growth in cardiologist appointments with hypertension as the most common symptom
Most appointments booked by people in the age group of 25-35 years
The rise in appointments was seen in cities like Bangalore and Pune with a growth of 58% and 38% respectively as compared to 2015
What can be done o keep Young India young: Manage stress levels, find time for yourself, eat nutritious diet, exercise, quit smoking, alcohol in moderation, sleep well, practice yoga (pranaayaam), etc.
Young India is breaking its back:
31% growth in spine surgeon appointments
25% growth in spine and pain specialists’ appointments
Most appointments booked by people in the age group of 18-24 years
What should the Young Indian do: understand what is ergonomics, take frequent breaks, do regular exercises, have proper workstation and posture, etc.
Young India stomach is aching: Gastro issues on the rise
22% growth in gastroentrologist appointments
Most common symptoms were abdominal discomfort or pain, indigestion, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting Most common age group that booked appointments was 25-34 years
Mumbai saw a 26% increase in appointments with gastroenterologists followed by Delhi (27%) and Hyderabad (24%)
What should be done: eat hygienic foods, quit smoking, take alcohol in moderation, manage stress levels, seek gastro opinion in case of difficulty in swallowing, blood in the stools, loss of appetite, etc.
Alternative Medicine is gaining popularity:
Another interesting insight that the Healthcare Map drew was on how people are preferring to book appointments with doctors practicing allopathy as well as alternative medicine.
There was a growth of 62% in booked appointments with allopathic doctors and a 34% growth in appointments for alternative medicine doctors in the age bracket of 35 years & above.
