Non-communicable diseases accounted for 60% of all deaths in 2022-2024 | Data

Non-Communicable Diseases Claim 60% of India’s Mortality in 2022-2024: Data Reveals Shift in Health Trends

Non communicable diseases accounted for 60 - The Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2024, released this month, highlights a significant shift in India’s mortality landscape. According to the findings, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) now account for 60% of all deaths in the 2022-2024 period, up from 52.8% during the 2015-2017 timeframe. This 7.3 percentage point increase underscores a growing dominance of chronic illnesses over infectious diseases in shaping national mortality trends. The report also provides a breakdown of major causes of death across different reporting periods, revealing how the health profile of India’s population has evolved.

Cardiovascular Diseases Surpass Infections as Leading Cause

Within the NCD category, cardiovascular diseases alone were responsible for 32.1% of total deaths in 2022-2024, a rise of five percentage points from the 27.1% recorded in 2015-2017. This trend indicates a worsening situation for heart-related conditions, which are increasingly affecting individuals in their 30s and 40s. Health experts emphasize that the impact of such illnesses is particularly alarming given the critical role this age group plays in India’s workforce. The report further notes that cardiovascular diseases accounted for 37.3% of deaths in the 30-69 age bracket, highlighting their disproportionate contribution to mortality in this demographic.

Youth and Middle-Aged Populations Face Rising NCD Burden

The data reveals that premature deaths among younger adults have become a pressing economic and social concern. While the 55-plus age group accounted for 69.3% of all deaths during the 2022-2024 period, those aged 30–44 made up 19.5% of total fatalities. This shift reflects a growing prevalence of NCDs in earlier life stages, challenging traditional perceptions of health risks. The report also points to the declining fertility rates in India, with several states now reporting levels below the replacement threshold of 2.1 children per woman, further compounding the demographic pressures associated with chronic disease.

Regional and Gender Disparities in NCD Mortality

The analysis highlights stark differences between urban and rural populations, as well as between men and women. In urban areas, NCDs accounted for 64.8% of all deaths, compared to 58.8% in rural regions. Similarly, men had a higher proportion of NCD-related deaths at 62.3%, while women accounted for 56.9%. These disparities suggest that access to healthcare, lifestyle factors, and environmental conditions play a pivotal role in determining mortality outcomes. The report underscores that the trend of NCDs becoming the primary cause of death is evident even in rural settings, where healthcare infrastructure remains less developed.

A Double Burden: Chronic and Infectious Diseases Coexist

Public health experts note that India is undergoing an epidemiological transition akin to that observed in many middle- and high-income countries. While chronic diseases dominate mortality patterns, infectious diseases continue to pose a substantial challenge, creating what is termed a “double burden” of health issues. The report emphasizes that this dual threat demands a multifaceted approach to healthcare planning, addressing both long-term conditions and acute infections simultaneously.

Mental Health Crisis Intensifies in Younger Age Groups

Suicide rates among the 15–29 age group have surged, making it the leading cause of death in this demographic. The data shows that suicides accounted for 19% of fatalities in this group, compared to 16.3% in the 2015-2017 period. This increase is attributed to a combination of factors, including unemployment, academic stress, financial instability, and social isolation. The report highlights the urgent need for mental health interventions tailored to younger populations, who are increasingly vulnerable to preventable deaths.

Special Focus on EAG States and Assam

The findings also shed light on disparities among states, particularly those under the Empowered Action Group (EAG) initiative. In EAG States and Assam, NCDs accounted for 53.9% of all deaths, significantly lower than the 63.5% observed in other regions of the country. This difference suggests that states with focused interventions may have made progress in mitigating NCD risks, though challenges remain. The chart below illustrates the contrasting mortality shares between these states and others, offering insights into the effectiveness of targeted health policies.

Top Causes of Death: A Closer Look at the Data

Following cardiovascular diseases, cancer and other neoplasms, respiratory diseases, and digestive disorders emerged as the next most common causes of death in 2022-2024, each contributing over 5% to the total. The report includes a table detailing the top 10 causes of mortality across all age groups, with specific emphasis on the 15–29 and 30–69 brackets. This granular analysis helps identify high-risk areas and informs strategies to combat the rising prevalence of NCDs in various segments of the population.

Implications for Public Health Policy

The data underscores the need for a comprehensive overhaul of India’s healthcare system to address the growing burden of NCDs. While infectious diseases still contribute to a notable share of mortality, their declining role in comparison to chronic illnesses signals a critical inflection point. Policymakers are urged to prioritize preventive care, early detection, and lifestyle modification programs to curb the rise of NCDs. Additionally, the report calls attention to the economic impact of premature deaths, particularly among working-age adults, which could affect productivity and national growth.

"The epidemiological transition in India reflects a broader global trend where chronic diseases are reshaping mortality patterns," said a public health expert. "However, the coexistence of infectious diseases with NCDs creates a complex challenge that requires integrated solutions."

Chart Insights: Tracking Mortality Trends

The charts accompanying the report provide a visual representation of the shifting causes of death. One chart compares NCD mortality rates between urban and rural areas, while another highlights gender-specific trends. These visual tools are essential for understanding the nuances of the data, particularly in identifying areas where interventions are most needed. The report also includes a breakdown of the leading causes of death across age groups, offering a snapshot of the country’s evolving health landscape.

As India continues to modernize, the rise of NCDs presents both an opportunity and a challenge. The data suggests that with appropriate policy measures and increased awareness, the country can transition towards a healthier future. However, the persistence of infectious diseases and the mental health crisis among young adults highlight the urgency of addressing these interconnected issues. The findings from the SRS Statistical Report 2024 serve as a vital reference for shaping healthcare strategies that align with the current demographic and health realities of the nation.