The Union Health Ministry has taken a significant step towards combating the increasing incidence of neurological disorders in India. Recognizing the growing burden of conditions like Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and dementia, the ministry has decided to offer neurological care at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, the government’s primary healthcare centres.
To ensure the effective implementation of this initiative, a National Task Force on Brain Health has been established. Comprising nine distinguished physicians from prestigious institutions like AIIMS, NIMHANS, and IHBAS, the task force will provide guidance on the infrastructure and amenities required for neurological care at these centres. The task force has been given until July 15, 2023, to submit its recommendations, after which services will commence.
The importance of prioritizing brain health cannot be overstated, as highlighted by Dr. Rajinder K. Dhamija, director of IHBAS Hospital and chairperson of the task force. Rapidly changing lifestyles are contributing to the rise of neurological disorders among India’s aging population, which is projected to double in the next 20 years.
According to the ministry’s notice issued on April 18, 2023, disorders of the nervous system have become a leading cause of disability-adjusted life years and the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for nine million deaths annually. Despite progress in healthcare access, disparities persist based on socio-economic status, age, geography, and gender.
The task force will play a crucial role in addressing these disparities. It will focus on improving accessibility and quality of brain health services at all levels of healthcare, from primary to tertiary. Specific actions will be recommended to create a robust system for diagnosing, treating, and caring for patients with neurological disorders. Additionally, the task force will explore ways to create rehabilitation infrastructure to enhance the well-being of those living with neurological conditions.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also sounded the alarm on the global burden of neurological disorders. A recent study published in The Lancet Neurology revealed that over three billion people worldwide were living with a neurological condition in 2021.
Dr. Dhamija подчеркнул, что рекомендации task force будут касаться не только Arogya Mandirs, но и больниц tertiary уровней. Он также отметил, что в настоящее время отсутствуют возможности нейрореабилитации для таких заболеваний, как болезнь Паркинсона и инсульт, и task force разработает рекомендации по предоставлению structured rehabilitation.
According to the health ministry, there are currently over 17 million Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in India, providing a comprehensive range of preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care services. This initiative to enhance neurological care at primary healthcare centres is a significant step towards ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for all Indians.
