Abstract
Infectious diseases and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are two major healthcare challenges that pose a major challenge to economies worldwide, including India, impacting costs, productivity, and overall development. However, the economic impact of these two diseases differs greatly in India and worldwide. For instance, the increased incidence of infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, malaria and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has led to a significant spike in healthcare spending. To deal with this, developing countries such as India have to bear high costs for medical care, vaccines and control measures. Lockdown and other control measures during the outbreak impacted the labour market, further straining economies. Recently, the outbreak of COVID-19 caused a global economic loss of approximately $13.6 trillion over the last five years. Additionally, the WHO has warned antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threat, estimating a potential reduction in the global workforce by 7 million by 2050, alongside $160 billion in healthcare costs. 1
Compared to infectious diseases, diabetes, cancer and heart disease create a more long-term financial burden. With growing industrialisation, the prevalence of NCDs is increasing. Confounding factors, such as work–life imbalance, especially long working hours, sedentary lifestyles and intake of polluted air, mainly contribute to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and respiratory issues. In addition, unhealthy dietary habits and stress increase the risk of NCD. World Economic Forum estimates NCDs to cost $47 trillion global economy by 2030. 2 Treating these involves increased medical expenses due to regular hospital visits, medications and specialised care, which severely impact the individual financial and government health budgets. According to one study, the mean expenditure for NCDs is ₹13,170/household, whereas for non-NCD households, it is ₹6,245. 3 This also has a significant effect on the overall productivity of human resources, ultimately resulting in reduced economic outputs. As per estimates for every 10% increase in NCD mortality has 0.5% annual reduction in economic growth. 3
The government has set policies for releasing industrial waste into water bodies, but in most cases, industries either ignore it or dispose it inadequately. 4 Industrialisation has a severe impact on the urban population, as communities in its vicinity often face challenges of poor water and air quality, which lead to the worsening of their health. India, the most populous country in the world, is facing a significant burden on healthcare systems due to the rise in NCD cases.
Rapid industrial growth in low- and middle-income countries has a direct impact on the rising burden of NCDs. Additionally, this places stress on the healthcare system, which results in a reduction in available resources. Therefore, addressing these challenges in a timely manner requires immediate attention, focusing on healthier living environments and preventive care. In terms of economic burden, comparison between these two suggests NCDs significantly outweigh infectious diseases, which directly affect healthcare costs, loss in productivity, potential impoverishment, especially for at-risk groups. 5 According to Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2019, the cases of NCDs have been on rise in the past 30 years, whereas the burden of infectious diseases has decreased. 6 While infectious diseases demand immediate response, NCDs require long-term management and preventive care. Investing in healthier lifestyles, promoting early diagnosis and improving access to quality healthcare can reduce the overall economic burden. Balancing preventive strategies and responsive care is key to ensuring a sustainable healthcare system.
Yoga as an Adjunct Therapy
Yoga, which is a noninvasive, cost-effective, drugless system of mind-body practice, has been found to be effective in addressing challenges due to NCDs. Through its holistic approach, it helps alleviate and prevent various NCDs. 7 Incorporating Yoga into daily practice can help combat sedentary lifestyles, which is one of the major causes of NCDs. 8
As an adjunct therapy Yoga reduces the risks of co-morbidities, enhances mental health 9 and eases economic burden on the healthcare systems. 10 Research suggest that Yoga practice effectively manages the symptoms of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by regulating the stress response. 11 Similarly, in the case of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart diseases, Yoga has shown to be effective in improving the health outcomes, thereby lowering the risk of comorbidities. 12 Many studies have recommended Yoga-based rehabilitation programmes for chronic diseases.13, 14 Because of its low cost and easy accessibility, regular practice of Yoga may reduce the medical expenses by lowering the need for frequent doctor visits or medications. 15 This calls for increased funding to protocolise Yoga therapy including increased number of multicentric trials, and bring rigour to research studies by foundations like Gates Foundation, Wellcome Trust and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
