Disease Burden and Health Inequalities in Punjab-Understanding Economic and Social Consequences

Abstract

Punjab has been one of the fastest-growing and richest states in India. But in the last few years its economy has been declining and ill-health plaguing people of all ages. Among adults the leading causes for increasing disease burden are obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. All these cumulatively contribute to heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disorder and cancer. The contribution of this risk group has increased massively to a quarter of the total disease burden in India. The combination of these risks was highest in Punjab is evident from the socio-economic development and health status. Punjab has good development indicators and at an advanced epidemiological transition stage. However, Punjab had 157% higher per person burden from diabetes, 134% higher burden from ischaemic heart disease, 49% higher burden from stroke and 56% higher burden from road injuries. Consistent with these findings, Punjab had substantially higher levels of cardiovascular risks as compared to many other states is evident from an ICMR, PHFI and IHMEI report of 2017. All of these risks are generally higher in males than in females. And even treatment seeking is high among males as compared to females. There are stigmas related to disease, so most of the people keep it a secret. National Family Health Survey-4, 2015-16 data provides information on the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorder, heart disease and cancer. This paper aims to examine the reported illness and the constraints in accessing the health care services; and to understand how the changing disease burden is disturbing the life style of the people.