Question

What are the health issues that affect people who come from India and Africa? and why? do they have it?

Answer 1

The health issues that affect people who come from India and Africa

#.Top 10 Common Health Problems in India

Though India’s healthcare sector is one of the fastest growing in the world, lack of availability is still a major concern for the country’s tremendous population. Apart from accessibility, cost is a major deterrent to addressing health issues, both in terms of timely and quality care.

Some of the Common Health Problems in India

1. Cancer

In a report published by the WHO, of India’s 1.3 billion population, 1 in 10 Indians will develop cancer. Among the many health problems in India, cancer cases have shown to follow an increasing trend in the country. For instance, breast cancer has increased between 1.4% and 2.8% annually with greater prevalence in urban India.

Regardless of the type, oncology treatments are heavy on the pocket with costs typically starting at a few lakhs, Rs.5 lakh and upward.

2. Infertility

As per findings published in late 2019, around 14% of Indian couples were affected by infertility, with a higher prevalence in the urban population of India. In fact, data shows that 1 in 6 urban couples were affected and this number was set to rise by 10% in 2020. While environmental toxins, STIs, lifestyle diseases and infections causing health issues can result in infertility, In vitro fertilisation (IVF) serves as a potent and viable solution.

However, this treatment isn’t covered by most health insurance policies and couples have to bear the cost out of pocket. The average price for IVF ranges between Rs.1 lakh and Rs.2.5 lakh, making it a hefty expense.

3. Congenital abnormalities

A result of genetics or exposure to toxic, congenital abnormalities or malformations differ in severity based on its type. In urban India, such health problems are the third-most common cause of mortality amongst new-borns and for those that survive, treatment through surgery is the solution. For instance, cleft lip and cleft palate are types of malformations that can be addressed with plastic surgery.

The average cost of these procedures is around Rs.1.8 lakh onwards, depending on the complexity.

4. Cataract

Cataract is the most common cause for visual impairment worldwide and is responsible for blindness in 17.7 million Indians. While there are a few types of cataract, this illness issue can be treated with proper care from an ophthalmology specialist.

The average cost for surgery and treatment is around Rs.55,000 and there are other such procedures that can cost Rs.1.2 lakh onwards.

5. Hearing loss

Findings indicated that there is a high prevalence of hearing loss or hearing impairment In India. In Delhi alone, 26.1% of the urban residents were afflicted by some degree of hearing impairments, of which 51% had profound hearing loss.

Among the solutions is using a hearing aid, which can cost anywhere from Rs.24,990 to Rs.2.7 lakh for a unit. Given the impact that health issues like deafness can have on quality of life, it is worthwhile to invest in a remedy.

6. Diabetes

With over 75 million diabetics in the world, one of six diabetics are from India. This fact is especially important to residents of urban India as the prevalence of diabetes is six times higher for them. Diabetes can also lead to other health problems and complications related to the heart, kidneys, and more, which is why getting treatment at the earliest is key. This illness is typically treated by endocrinologists, ophthalmologists and nutritionists and one solution is the use of insulin pumps. With the Digital Health EMI Network Card, you can own the insulin pump from MEDTRON partners on EMIs.

7. Heart disease

Of all the health problems in India, heart disease is among the deadliest. Around 55 million people in India have some form of cardiovascular diseases due to sedentary lifestyle and diet.

Treatment for any cardiac ailment can be availed at a cardiology centre or specialist with the average cost of heart care ranging between Rs.1.5 lakh to Rs.4.5 lakh at private hospitals.

8. Infectious diseases

Among the more common health issues in India, diseases like COVID-19, dengue, and malaria are at the top of list. According to the WHO, the highest number of dengue cases occur in the monsoons in India. So, should you get infected, the appropriate response is to seek medical management at health centres closest to you.

You’ll find that seeking treatment for such diseases, while necessary, isn’t cheap. In fact, in 2019, the cost for availing dengue treatment in Hyderabad was anywhere between Rs.5,000 and Rs.5 lakh.

9. Hair Loss

Hair loss or baldness can affect anyone, be it men, women or children. The causes range across a whole list of factors with stress being among the main ones. A report in mid-2018 found that this is among the many prevalent health problems in India as many Indian men face issues of baldness as early as in their 20s. The impact of this is felt on both an emotional and physical level, and treatment generally includes hair transplants.

The average cost of hair transplantation surgeries can range from Rs.30,000 to Rs.1.35 lakh based on the treatment administered.

10. Obesity

Of the many health problems faced by urban India, obesity is the lifestyle disease that serves as a gateway to other illnesses. In fact, as per findings, India will have the second-most number of obese children by 2030, 27 million in number, with its prevalence tripling in adults by 2040. This is a major for concern and the ideal approach to tackling obesity or being overweight is to opt for weight-loss or slimming programs.

#. Health issues in Africa

Approximately 1.6 million Africans died of malaria, tuberculosis and HIV-related illnesses in 2015. These diseases can be prevented or treated with timely access to appropriate and affordable medicines, vaccines and other health services. But less than 2% of drugs consumed in Africa are produced on the continent, meaning that many sick patients do not have access to locally produced drugs and may not afford to buy the imported ones.

Without access to medicines, Africans are susceptible to the three big killer diseases on the continent: malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. Globally, 50% of children under five who die of pneumonia, diarrhoea, measles, HIV, tuberculosis and malaria are in Africa, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The organisation defines having access to medicine as having medicines continuously available and affordable at health facilities that are within one hour’s walk of the population.