60% of deaths in India linked to lifestyle diseases: C.N. Manjunath

By Admin

16 Sep, 2025

Lifestyle diseases are silently becoming India’s biggest health crisis, with nearly 60% of deaths in the country linked to conditions such as heart attacks, diabetes, stroke, cancer, and mental health disorders. This alarming reality was highlighted by C.N. Manjunath, MP and former Director of the Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, during his address after receiving the prestigious Sir M. Visvesvaraya Award from the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) on Engineers’ Day.

A Silent Epidemic Hindering Progress

Dr. Manjunath warned that “no nation can progress without addressing this silent epidemic.” He emphasized that while India has made strides in industrial growth and medical technology, the growing burden of lifestyle-related illnesses continues to erode the nation’s health and productivity.

Beyond Technology: Engineering for Health and Sustainability

According to Dr. Manjunath, technology and engineering must go beyond industries and be leveraged to improve public health, water security, and environmental sustainability. He stressed that “clean air, clean water, unadulterated food, and a clean mind are the real cornerstones of health.” While robotics in surgery and medical innovations can treat diseases, prevention remains the key   requiring better urban planning, strict pollution control, and sustainable engineering solutions.

The Deadly Toll of Smoking and Pollution

The veteran cardiologist drew attention to devastating statistics:

• Nearly 14 lakh deaths occur annually in India due to smoking.
  
  

• Around 22 lakh deaths each year are attributed to air pollution.
  
  

“These two factors alone are nullifying the efforts of our entire healthcare system,” he said, underlining the urgent need for policy interventions and community awareness to curb these avoidable risk factors.

Tackling Mental Health Challenges

Apart from physical illnesses, mental health issues linked to screen addiction and loneliness are adding to the growing lifestyle disease burden. With digital consumption at record highs, young and old alike are increasingly vulnerable to stress, anxiety, and depression, further worsening India’s health landscape.

The Road Ahead

Dr. Manjunath’s remarks serve as a wake-up call for policymakers, healthcare leaders, and citizens alike. Tackling lifestyle diseases demands a multi-pronged strategy that includes health education, stricter pollution laws, anti-smoking campaigns, sustainable urban infrastructure, and stronger focus on preventive healthcare.

India’s growth story cannot be sustainable without addressing this health emergency. As Dr. Manjunath rightly pointed out, preventing lifestyle diseases is not just a medical necessity but a national responsibility.