1 in 8 people in India is ill: Illness rate doubles in 30 years

The 'Household Social Consumption: Health' report, recently released by the National Statistical Office (NSO), presents a worrying picture of health in India. According to the report, one in every eight people in India (about 13.1%) is ill, which represents a more than doubling of the morbidity rate over the past 30 years.

Basis of the Report

• This report is based on the 80th round (January–December 2025) of the National Sample Survey (NSS).
• The survey asked people about illnesses they had experienced in the past 15 days.
• It provides a comprehensive assessment of illness, treatment, and health expenditure in the country.

Key Points

• The overall morbidity rate in India is 13.1%, meaning 1 in every 8 people is ill.
• The rate in urban areas is 14.9%, higher than in rural areas (12.2%). While, by gender, women (14.4%) have a higher rate of disease than men (11.8%).

Age-based Analysis

• Infections (fever, cough, sore throat) and respiratory diseases are more common among children and young people, while mental and digestive problems are also increasing among young people.
• Lifestyle-related diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension are on the rise in the 30-59 age group.
• Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, as well as bone and joint problems, are more common among the elderly.

30-Year Trend

Causes

• The burden of disease is steadily increasing due to increasing urbanization and pollution, unhealthy lifestyles (eating habits and physical inactivity), population aging, improved reporting and awareness, and rising incidences of mental health problems.

Impact

• This problem is becoming more severe due to increasing pressure on the health system, rising health expenditure on families, loss of productivity, and the growing risk of non-communicable diseases.

Way Forward

• To address this situation, it is necessary to strengthen primary health services, adopt prevention-based health policies, launch health awareness campaigns, improve nutrition and lifestyle, and expand digital health infrastructure.

Conclusion

The increasing disease burden in India is not only a health challenge but also an economic and social challenge. This NSO report clearly indicates that if prevention, awareness, and health infrastructure are not improved in time, this problem could worsen in the coming years.