A recent survey by the National Statistics Office shows a troubling rise in lifestyle-related diseases in India. Nearly half of the population now has issues like hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and thyroid disorders. This is a big jump from just 31% a decade ago, pointing to a serious public health issue as our lifestyles change.
In 2025, 25.6% of people reported cardiovascular problems, up from 16.7% in 2017-18. Similarly, 24.2% indicated metabolic and endocrine disorders now, a rise from 15% previously. These health troubles are more common among those over 45, linking them to factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress.
On a brighter note, infectious diseases are down. Only 15% of people reported infections like fever or diarrhea in 2025, a drop from 32% in 2017-18. However, infections remain a serious issue for kids under 14, who face more than half of reported ailments in that age group. This shows that, while we’ve made progress, certain groups still face significant risks.
Overall illness rates have nearly doubled. In 2025, 13.1% of Indians said they felt unwell in the past two weeks, compared to 7.5% in 2017-18. Women reported higher rates at 14.4% compared to 11.8% for men, a trend seen in earlier surveys.
As one ages, health issues also appear more frequently. Among those 60 and older, 43.9% reported being ill, an increase from 27.7%. For those aged 45-59, the numbers rose from 11.4% to 22.5%. This stresses the growing need for resources that address aging and chronic diseases.
Hospitalization rates have stayed stable at about 2.9 cases per 100 people annually, with urban areas slightly higher at 3.2%. However, the cost of care has surged. Average out-of-pocket expenses for hospital stays have jumped to ₹34,064, up 70% from ₹20,135 in the last survey.
On a positive note, health insurance coverage has expanded. In 2025, government health schemes cover 47% of rural residents and 44% of urban ones, up from 14% and 19% in 2017-18. While this helps, rising health costs still put pressure on many families.
These findings reflect a significant shift in India’s health landscape. We are moving from infectious diseases to chronic, lifestyle-related conditions. It’s crucial for policymakers and healthcare systems to focus on prevention, early diagnosis, and long-term care to meet these new challenges effectively.
According to the World Health Organization, non-communicable diseases like those mentioned are now the leading cause of death globally, further reinforcing the need for a proactive approach to health management.
