In India, the pattern of mortality has shifted dramatically from infectious diseases to NCDs. In 1990, diarrhoeal diseases were the top cause of death, with an age-standardised mortality rate (ASMR) of 300.53 per lakh population. However, by 2023, ischaemic heart disease had emerged as the leading cause of death, with an ASMR of 127.82 per lakh population.
Leading Causes of Death in 2023
As reported by The Indian Express, the GBD report revealed that Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) ranked as the second leading cause of death in India in 2023, with an ASMR of 99.25 per lakh, followed by stroke, which recorded an ASMR of 92.88 per lakh. Meanwhile, Covid-19, which was the leading cause of death in 2021, dropped sharply to 20th place in 2023. Other major causes included chronic respiratory infections and neonatal disorders.
Decline in Overall Mortality and Improvement in Life Expectancy
India’s all-cause ASMR declined significantly from 1,513.05 per lakh in 1990 to 871.09 per lakh in 2023, indicating progress in overall health outcomes. During the same period, life expectancy at birth increased by 13 years—from 58.46 years in 1990 to 71.56 years in 2023 for both genders combined.
- For men, life expectancy rose from 58.12 years to 70.24 years.
- For women, it increased from 58.91 years to 72.96 years.
Experts Call for Focus on Healthy Ageing and NCD Prevention
Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasised that the epidemiological shift towards NCDs was first highlighted nearly a decade ago in the state-level GBD study conducted by ICMR and the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI).
“With people living longer but facing higher morbidity, the focus must now shift to healthy ageing. Preventing NCDs should be a national priority,” Dr. Swaminathan stated.
Urbanisation and Globalisation Drive India’s Health Transition
Echoing similar concerns, Dr. K. Srinath Reddy, Chancellor of PHFI University of Public Health Sciences, noted that India has undergone a rapid health transition over the past four decades.
“Delayed industrialisation and progressive urbanisation have accelerated the rise of NCDs, while globalisation provided the tailwind,” he said, underscoring the need for stronger public health policies and preventive strategies.
A Call for Action
The GBD report, developed through rigorous scientific analysis and collaboration among 16,500 global experts, provides valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and healthcare leaders. As India’s disease profile continues to evolve, addressing lifestyle-related risk factors, strengthening primary healthcare, and promoting healthy living are essential steps toward mitigating the growing burden of NCDs.