Reasons Behind The Growing Chronic Health-related Problems In India

Chronic health problems are among the significant causes of disability and death worldwide. In India, the prevalence of such conditions is distressing as well. The increase in the growth of chronic illnesses in India can be accredited to numerous modifiable and non-modifiable factors that influence the health and wellness of individuals. 

Nevertheless, to prevent one’s health from deteriorating further and to improve the quality of living, individuals must find the root causes behind the increase in chronic illness. With the accumulated information, they can easily manage and combat the impact of the same. 

What are the major causes of chronic disorders?

Typically, chronic disorders are any health disorders that tend to continue for more than 3 months. Several risk factors are responsible for causing chronic health problems, and they are categorized below 

• Modifiable risk factors

Over time with good health practices and habits, individuals can modify the impact of these risk factors successfully. Modifiable causes of chronic diseases include –

• Sedentary lifestyle – Inactive lifestyle accounts for 6% of death globally. Also, the risk of cardiovascular disorder is 147% more in individuals who practice a sedentary lifestyle. Moreover, lack of active lifestyle practices increases the chances of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and depression.
• Unhealthy dietary choices– As per an analysis, poor dietary practices accounted for around 11 million deaths around the world. Experts also suggest that improvement in diet can prevent at least one in every 5deaths on a global scale. Also, unhealthy dietary choices, coupled with a sedentary lifestyle, is responsible for obesity.
• Addiction– Alcoholism and drug addiction are major problems in India as well, which have a drastic effect on one’s health. Gastrointestinal diseases, liver problems, respiratory disorders, etc. are among the chronic conditions resulting from addiction.

• Non-modifiable risk factors

These factors are difficult to control and modify.

• Age – Osteoporosis, dementia, and cardiovascular diseases are among the most prevalent chronic disorders that are common in old age.

• Heredity – As per studies, genes often contribute to chronic conditions like – diabetes, cardiovascular disease, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, among others.

With the help of an active lifestyle, healthy diet habits, and treatment, individuals suffering from chronic diseases can control accompanying symptoms or delay their onset. 

• Intermediate risk factors

Typically, individuals need to monitor these risk factors and associated implications carefully to combat the onset of major health problems later. 

• Raised blood glucose
• Raised blood pressure
• Obesity
• Abnormal blood lipids

Other risk factors that are prominent reasons of chronic health diseases include – infectious agents, pollution and psychological factors. Additionally, underlying determinants like urbanization, globalization, and population aging are the noteworthy causative agents of chronic health problems.

As one can understand, such health problems are rampant in the population. However, treatment costs are exceptionally high.

For instance, the cost per session of chemotherapy in India ranges from Rs.56000 to Rs.280000. The common population with limited income and savings find it challenging to avail the necessary treatment at the right time.

However, now individuals have access to the Bajaj Finserv Digital Health EMI Network Card that helps them afford the cost of seeking treatment against chronic diseases. Typically, health cardholders can delay immediate medical liabilities and repay the same in easy to bear EMIs. To avail of this health card, individuals should check the eligibility criteria and the benefits that accompany such cards.

Eligibility of health cards

Individuals who meet these criteria qualify for a Bajaj Finserv Health EMI Network card and can apply for a digital health EMI card online – 

• Individuals over the age of 18 years
• Bajaj Finserv EMI Network Cardholders

Individuals who are not a customer of this NBFC can avail of this health card by applying at any of the medical partners mentioned in the health card hospital list. 

Benefits of health card

Like discussed, the cost of availing quality treatment for chronic diseases is often quite expensive for the common population. Nevertheless, having a health card tends to come in handy in the following ways and helps the cardholders manage chronic health problems and their implications smoothly.

• Cardholders are entitled to avail a pre-approved credit limit of up to Rs.4 lakh.
• The card extends ‘No Cost EMI’ financing facility for tenures of up to 24 months.
• A single card helps to cover the medical cost of the entire family.
• The EMI health card is a digital card that can be activated instantly for Rs.707, while the regular non-insta card can be activated for Rs.589.
• Cardholders can finance more than 800 essential and non-essential procedures at 5500+ partner medical outlets. These network hospitals and clinics are spread out across more than 1000 Indian cities.
• The card comes with a complimentary personal annual accident cover of Rs.1 lakh.
• Cardholders are also entitled to avail of exclusive discounts and offer when they seek treatment from a medical facility mentioned in the health care hospital list.

Collectively, these benefits will allow individuals to receive treatment from the best medical professionals without worrying about immediate cash flow. Also, with timely treatment and regular follow-ups, they will be able to mitigate the impact of chronic health problems accordingly.