Health Related Issues in India

By: Youth of Bharat Foundation

Date: 12 March 2025

Post: youthofbharatfound

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Introduction

India faces a range of critical health-related issues, affecting millions across different regions and socio-economic backgrounds. The country continues to struggle with communicable diseases like tuberculosis, dengue, malaria, and seasonal infections, particularly in urban slums and rural areas where sanitation and healthcare access are still inadequate. While these infectious diseases remain a significant concern, non-communicable diseases have emerged as an even greater threat, with conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases rising rapidly due to unhealthy lifestyles, lack of physical activity, and increasing stress levels. Mental health issues are another growing concern, with anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders affecting people across all age groups. The COVID-19 pandemic further intensified these challenges, exposing the weaknesses in India’s healthcare system and highlighting the urgent need for improved medical facilities and preventive healthcare measures. Additionally, environmental factors such as air pollution have contributed to the increasing prevalence of respiratory diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), while water contamination continues to cause gastrointestinal infections and other health complications.

In response to these pressing health challenges, the Ministry of Health has introduced several major schemes in 2025 to strengthen the healthcare system and promote preventive care.

The National Health Mission (NHM) receives the highest allocation, accounting for 37% of the Ministry of Health's budget, emphasizing rural healthcare, maternal-child health, and primary healthcare services. Following this, Autonomous Bodies such as AIIMS and PGIMER receive 20% to support medical education and research. Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (PMJAY) is allocated 9% to provide health insurance coverage for economically weaker sections, while the PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) gets 5% to strengthen healthcare infrastructure. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and AIDS/STD Control programs each receive 3% to promote medical research and disease prevention. Among the lowest allocations, Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) and Human Resources for Health & Medical Education receive just 2% each. The budget reflects a strong focus on primary healthcare and infrastructure while maintaining support for specialized health programs and research. These initiatives focus on expanding medical infrastructure by setting up new hospitals, upgrading existing healthcare facilities, and ensuring that specialized treatment centers reach remote areas.

A disturbing post-pandemic health trend in India has been the sharp rise in heart attacks, particularly among younger individuals. Studies and hospital data suggest that heart attack cases have increased by nearly 15–20% since COVID- 19, raising concerns among healthcare professionals.