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.
The government has also emphasized the integration of digital healthcare, introducing nationwide digital health records to improve patient care and continuity of treatment. Cardiovascular disease prevention has become a priority, with large-scale awareness campaigns encouraging regular health check-ups, dietary improvements, and active lifestyles to reduce heart-related complications. The expansion of emergency cardiac care units has also been a crucial step in addressing the increasing cases of heart attacks, ensuring timely medical intervention in critical situations. Mental health services have been strengthened with government-backed counseling centers, digital mental health platforms, and expanded psychological support networks. Efforts to combat air pollution, improve water quality, and regulate food safety have been reinforced through stricter policy measures, addressing key environmental and dietary contributors to poor health. The government is also actively promoting traditional and balanced diets over processed foods to curb the rise of obesity and related illnesses, implementing food labeling regulations and awareness campaigns in schools and workplaces to encourage healthier choices.
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.
Several factors have contributed to this alarming trend, including the impact of COVID-19 on the cardiovascular system, increased stress levels, reduced physical activity, and unhealthy dietary habits developed during lockdowns. The virus is known to cause inflammation that affects heart function, potentially leading to long-term cardiovascular complications. Additionally, the prolonged restrictions during the pandemic led to weight gain, disrupted sleep patterns, and delayed medical check-ups, further increasing the risk of heart-related conditions. The Ministry of Health has recognized this issue and has responded by launching awareness programs encouraging routine health screenings, early detection of heart disease, and better management of lifestyle risk factors. Public health initiatives now focus on educating individuals about the importance of regular exercise, stress reduction techniques, and proper nutrition to maintain heart health. The expansion of cardiac care units and emergency medical services has also been a key step in ensuring that patients experiencing heart attacks receive immediate and effective treatment, reducing fatality rates.
Food habits in India have witnessed a major shift over the years, moving away from traditional home-cooked meals toward a greater consumption of processed and fast foods. While Indian cuisine has always been rich in nutrients, the modern diet is increasingly characterized by high sugar, unhealthy fats, and excessive sodium, contributing to rising cases of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Urbanization, changing work schedules, and exposure to global food trends have significantly influenced these dietary shifts, leading to a preference for convenience foods over balanced meals. The growing availability of packaged snacks, soft drinks, and instant foods has also led to poor eating habits, with many people consuming more calories than necessary while lacking essential nutrients. However, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of nutrition in overall health, prompting a movement toward healthier eating. The government, through the Ministry of Health, has played a role in promoting better dietary habits by implementing stricter regulations on food labelling, banning certain harmful additives, and advocating for the inclusion of nutritious foods in school and workplace meal programs. Awareness campaigns have also been launched to educate the public about the benefits of traditional Indian foods, such as millets, lentils, and locally grown vegetables, which provide essential nutrients and help prevent lifestyle diseases. With increased efforts to encourage a return to balanced diets and promote healthier food choices, there is hope for reversing the negative health trends associated with modern eating habits.
Rohan Thakur
Research Intern (Media)
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