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Public Health Challenges in India: Dual Burden of Disease

PYQs

6

Articles

1

Momentum

17

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

This concept is critical for understanding India's health sector, policy formulation (e.g., National Health Policy, Ayushman Bharat), implications for the demographic dividend, and progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health and well-being.

India faces a complex public health landscape characterized by a 'dual burden of disease,' where persistent issues of undernutrition (stunting, wasting) coexist with a rapidly rising prevalence of overnutrition (obesity) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and hypertension. This poses significant challenges to healthcare systems and human development.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Rising Obesity

Obesity rates are rising significantly (e.g., 22.9% to 27.3% for men, 24% to 30.7% for women in 3 years, as per NFHS-6).

Persistent Malnutrition

Malnutrition persists, with a decline in exclusive breastfeeding among children under six months (from 63.7% in NFHS-5 to 55.8% in NFHS-6).

Growing NCD Burden

Lifestyle diseases (NCDs) are a growing concern, often linked to diet and lack of exercise, requiring comprehensive screening and health system bolstering.

Impact on Demographic Transition

The dual burden impacts India's demographic transition, potentially leading to a 'greying nation' with increased healthcare demands for chronic conditions.

Reference table

India's Dual Public Health Burden (NFHS-5 vs NFHS-6)

IndicatorNFHS-5 (approx)NFHS-6 (approx)
Obesity (Men)22.9%27.3%
Obesity (Women)24%30.7%
Exclusive Breastfeeding63.7%55.8%

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaWelfare Schemes & Social Policies

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Ministry of Health and Family WelfareFormulates and implements public health policies
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Policy measures

Quick revision

  • Dual burden: Coexistence of undernutrition and overnutrition/NCDs.
  • NFHS-6 shows rising obesity, declining exclusive breastfeeding.
  • NCDs (lifestyle diseases) are a growing concern.
  • Requires policy focus on screening, behavior change, taxation, health system strengthening.
  • Impacts demographic transition and human capital.

High-confidence PYQs

2024Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

With reference to the 'Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan', consider the following statements: 1. This scheme guarantees a minimum package of antenat...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question
2023Multi-statement analysis, Policy measures

Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojana: 1. It is safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments. 2. Its object...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

Consider the following statements : Statement-I :India's public sector health care system largely focuses on curative care with limited preventive, promotiv...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question
2023Statement-based questions, Multi-statement analysis

Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojana: 1. It is safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments. 2. Its object...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

Consider the following statements : Statement-I :India's public sector health care system largely focuses on curative care with limited preventive, promotiv...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question
2022Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

With reference to Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, consider the following statements: 1. Private and public hospitals must adopt it. 2. As it aims to achieve...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

Consider the following statements: 1. The India Sanitation Coalition is a platform to promote sustainable sanitation and is funded by the Government of Ind...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question
2022Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions

With reference to Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, consider the following statements: 1. Private and public hospitals must adopt it. 2. As it aims to achieve...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

Consider the following statements: 1. The India Sanitation Coalition is a platform to promote sustainable sanitation and is funded by the Government of Ind...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question
2017Multi-statement analysis, Policy measures

Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’? 1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactatin...

Social Issues & SchemesOpen question

Topic timeline

Welfare Schemes & Social Policies
Prelims 2017· Multi-statement analysis, Policy measures

Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’? 1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactatin...

Open question
Prelims 2022· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

With reference to Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, consider the following statements: 1. Private and public hospitals must adopt it. 2. As it aims to achieve...

Open question

Consider the following statements: 1. The India Sanitation Coalition is a platform to promote sustainable sanitation and is funded by the Government of Ind...

Open question
Prelims 2022· Multi-statement analysis, Institutional roles and functions

With reference to Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, consider the following statements: 1. Private and public hospitals must adopt it. 2. As it aims to achieve...

Open question

Consider the following statements: 1. The India Sanitation Coalition is a platform to promote sustainable sanitation and is funded by the Government of Ind...

Open question
Prelims 2023· Multi-statement analysis, Policy measures

Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojana: 1. It is safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments. 2. Its object...

Open question

Consider the following statements : Statement-I :India's public sector health care system largely focuses on curative care with limited preventive, promotiv...

Open question
Prelims 2023· Statement-based questions, Multi-statement analysis

Consider the following statements in relation to Janani Suraksha Yojana: 1. It is safe motherhood intervention of the State Health Departments. 2. Its object...

Open question

Consider the following statements : Statement-I :India's public sector health care system largely focuses on curative care with limited preventive, promotiv...

Open question
Prelims 2024· Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

With reference to the 'Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan', consider the following statements: 1. This scheme guarantees a minimum package of antenat...

Open question

​Joy and pain: On the NFHS-6 data

02 Jun 2026 · India's public health faces a 'dual burden' of persistent malnutrition and rising obesity/NCDs, requiring comprehensive policy interventions in diet, exercise, and healthcare infrastructure.

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Public Health Challenges in India: Dual Burden of Disease

Often confused with

National Family Health Survey (NFHS)

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