Healthcare must be ready for old population: NITI Aayog vice-chief
Ashok K Lahiri said rising non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular conditions, are reshaping healthcare needs.
India's healthcare system must adapt to an aging population and shifting health challenges, according to NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Dr Ashok K Lahiri. Speaking at an event at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Lahiri emphasized the importance of focusing on healthy ageing rather than merely extending life. He highlighted that the health problems of future generations will differ significantly from those faced today, as the patient of tomorrow will not resemble the patient of yesterday.
Lahiri also noted that while India continues to tackle infectious diseases, maternal and child health issues, and undernutrition, non-communicable diseases are increasingly shaping healthcare needs. These include diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, obesity, metabolic and liver diseases. He stressed that the health system must be prepared for the demands of a future older population, and aging well is crucial to ensure affordable healthcare services for the elderly.
Lahiri also expressed concern over the misuse of medicines, particularly antibiotics, which risk becoming ineffective for future generations due to antimicrobial resistance.
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