Eight decades after Independence, Indians are living significantly longer — a testament to falling mortality rates, improving maternal and child survival, and the expansion of healthcare access across the country. The transformation reflects progress in public health infrastructure, immunisation, disease control and nutrition.
However, longer lifespans have also created new health challenges. Non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular conditions and cancer now account for a growing share of the disease burden. The shift from infectious to lifestyle-related illnesses requires a different healthcare approach, including preventive care, geriatric services and health insurance coverage for an ageing population.
