Raheel Shah, Business Development Director, BDR Pharmaceuticals highlights that the rise in Alzheimer’s disease prevalence in India calls for action from the pharma industry and healthcare organisations
Alzheimer’s disease is a profound and heart-wrenching issue that affects millions of people worldwide, with a prevalence rate of 7.4 per cent in India. This is comparable to rates in developed countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. The incidence of Alzheimer’s disease in India is also growing rapidly, with a 10-year follow-up study in Kerala finding that the number of people with Alzheimer’s disease in India is likely to double by 2050.
The pharma industry is dedicated to deciphering the enigmatic puzzle of this devastating disease and is taking steps to address it. The Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI) and the Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness and Prevention Alliance (ADAPA) are leading efforts at the industry-level to combat the growing threat of Alzheimer’s in India.
The pharma industry is at the forefront of healthcare innovation, continuously developing diverse treatment options to combat various diseases. Traditional small molecule drugs effective against cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, as well as biological drugs derived from living organisms addressing autoimmune diseases and cancer, have made significant strides. Gene therapy offers a new frontier, potentially revolutionising genetic disorder, infectious disease, and cancer treatment. Precision medicine customises treatments, immunotherapy leverages the body’s defences, and cell therapy promising breakthroughs. However, challenges persist, such as precision medicine’s implementation hurdles, immunotherapy’s balancing act between success and side effects, and the complexity and cost of cell therapy.
In rural India, a stark lack of infrastructure and lack of awareness creates barriers to healthcare access and early disease intervention. Healthcare facilities, including diagnostic centers and pharmacies, are distant mirages, demanding arduous journeys through the winding paths of adversity. This journey, both financially and temporally taxing, adds an additional layer of suffering to patients already grappling with illness. The profound lack of awareness shrouds the populace in a cloak of ignorance, rendering them oblivious to the early warning signs of diseases that stealthily encroach upon their lives. Fear and hesitation often inhibit the seeking of medical help until diseases have entrenched themselves in their advanced and more sinister forms.
For the pharma industry, this is a poignant call to action. It is a reminder of the responsibility it bears – a responsibility to partner with governments and stakeholders to bridge the healthcare access in rural India and illuminate the path toward early detection and timely treatment through robust public awareness campaigns. The stakes are nothing less than the well-being and lives of the most vulnerable amongst us.
Rural India faces significant challenges in healthcare access and early disease intervention. The lack of infrastructure and lack of awareness create a barrier to healthcare facilities, making it difficult for patients to seek medical help. This leads to undetected diseases, complications, and even death. The pharma industry is urged to partner with governments and stakeholders to bridge the requirement of healthcare access in rural India and illuminate the path toward early detection and timely treatment through robust public awareness campaigns.
Locations, supply chain, and manpower also pose challenges in treating Alzheimer’s disease in rural India. The logistics of delivering medications across poorly connected terrains and the intricate supply chain challenges that inflate prices and lead to shortages of vital drugs are fraught with hurdles. The scarcity of trained healthcare professionals further delays diagnosis and care in rural regions. Economic constraints also cast a long shadow as many afflicted souls struggle to afford the exorbitant costs of treatment.
The pharma industry’s commitment to change the narrative shines as a beacon of hope, through innovative avenues like telemedicine, community-based programs, and the affordability of generic drugs. The government plays a crucial role in ensuring the affordability and accessibility of medicines from a pharmaceutical industry perspective. By regulating the pharma sector, setting price caps, and negotiating with drug manufacturers, governments can create a level playing field where prices are fair and accessible to all. Investing in research and development spurs innovation and paves the way for cost-effective medications. Financial assistance programs like the National Health Mission bridge the gap for patients in need of expensive treatments, ensuring that healthcare is not a privilege but a right. Encouraging the use of generic medicines is a powerful strategy to drive down costs without compromising on quality.
However, the journey towards equitable access to medicines is far from complete. To tackle neglected diseases affecting the most vulnerable populations, governments must bolster their investment in research and development, expand financial assistance schemes, and explore innovative digital technologies for price comparison and online generic medicine procurement. In essence, the government holds the key to unlocking a future where quality healthcare is determined by the principles of fairness, compassion, and progress.
The rise in Alzheimer’s disease prevalence in India calls for action from the pharma industry and healthcare organisations. To combat the disease effectively, a multifaceted approach is needed, including early detection, community support, and policy changes. Rural India, particularly, requires special attention, with awareness campaigns and improved healthcare infrastructure. Government initiatives like the National Health Mission (NHM) and telemedicine are steps in the right direction, but more needs to be done. Hospitals are also working to bridge the gap through outreach programs and alternative therapies. With continued collaboration and innovation, hope and better care for Alzheimer’s patients in rural India can be provided.
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