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26 Dec 2025·Source: The Hindu
2 min
Social IssuesScience & TechnologyNEWS

India's Leading Killer: Circulatory Diseases Top Cause of Death in 2023

A new report reveals circulatory system diseases as the leading cause of medically certified deaths in India for 2023.

India's Leading Killer: Circulatory Diseases Top Cause of Death in 2023

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A report by the Registrar General of India reveals that circulatory system diseases, including heart attacks and strokes, were the leading cause of medically certified deaths in India in 2023, accounting for over 32% of all fatalities. This highlights a critical public health challenge, surpassing respiratory diseases and cancers.

The data indicates that these diseases disproportionately affect older age groups and show variations across genders and regions. The findings underscore the urgent need for robust public health interventions, awareness campaigns, and improved healthcare infrastructure to tackle the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India.

Key Facts

1.

Circulatory system diseases caused most deaths in 2023

2.

Accounted for 32.1% of medically certified deaths

3.

Registrar General of India report

4.

Respiratory diseases second, cancers third

5.

Higher incidence in older age groups

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

Public health policy and governance (National Health Policy, NCD control programs)

2.

Socio-economic determinants of health and health disparities

3.

Role of government bodies like Registrar General of India in data collection and vital statistics

4.

Impact of NCDs on India's demographic dividend and economic productivity

5.

International commitments like Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3.4)

Visual Insights

Key NCD Statistics in India (2023-2025)

A dashboard presenting critical statistics related to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in India, providing context to the news about circulatory diseases.

Share of NCDs in Total Deaths
63%+3% (since 2015)

NCDs now account for nearly two-thirds of all deaths in India, indicating a significant epidemiological shift.

Circulatory Diseases Share in NCD Deaths
32.5%N/A

As per the RGI 2023 report, circulatory diseases are the single largest contributor to NCD mortality.

Public Health Spending (% of GDP)
1.5%+0.1% (from 2023)

Still significantly below the National Health Policy 2017 target of 2.5% of GDP, impacting NCD prevention and management.

Population Aged 60+ (Projected)
10.5%+0.5% (from 2021)

The rising elderly population is disproportionately affected by NCDs, increasing demand for geriatric care.

More Information

Background

Historically, India's public health challenges were dominated by communicable diseases, maternal and child mortality. However, with demographic and epidemiological transitions, there has been a significant shift towards Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. This transition is influenced by urbanization, changing lifestyles, and increased life expectancy.

Latest Developments

The recent report by the Registrar General of India (RGI) confirms that circulatory system diseases (heart attacks, strokes) are now the leading cause of medically certified deaths in India, accounting for over 32% of all fatalities in 2023. This surpasses respiratory diseases and cancers, highlighting a critical and escalating public health crisis. The data also indicates disparities across age groups, genders, and regions, underscoring the complex nature of the challenge.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in India: 1. The Registrar General of India's report on medically certified deaths primarily focuses on urban areas. 2. Non-communicable diseases are largely preventable through lifestyle modifications and early screening. 3. The National Health Policy, 2017, aims to reduce premature mortality from NCDs by one-third by 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 only
  • C.2 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: C

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Registrar General of India (RGI) collects data on medically certified deaths from various sources across both urban and rural areas, not just primarily urban. Statement 2 is correct; NCDs like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain cancers are significantly influenced by lifestyle factors (diet, physical activity, tobacco, alcohol) and can be prevented or managed effectively with early detection and intervention. Statement 3 is correct. The National Health Policy, 2017, indeed sets a target to reduce premature mortality from NCDs by one-third by 2025, aligning with global targets.

2. In the context of India's public health response to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The 'India Hypertension Control Initiative' (IHCI) is a large-scale intervention aimed at strengthening hypertension management in primary healthcare. 2. The 'Eat Right India' movement, under FSSAI, promotes healthy eating habits to combat NCDs. 3. Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) primarily focus on providing tertiary care for NCDs. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • A.1 only
  • B.1 and 2 only
  • C.2 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is correct. The India Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI) is a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, ICMR, WHO India, and Resolve to Save Lives, focused on strengthening hypertension management at the primary healthcare level. Statement 2 is correct. The 'Eat Right India' movement, spearheaded by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), aims to promote healthy and sustainable food practices to combat foodborne illnesses and NCDs. Statement 3 is incorrect. Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) are designed to provide comprehensive primary healthcare, including preventive, promotive, curative, palliative, and rehabilitative services, with a strong focus on screening and management of NCDs at the community level, rather than primarily tertiary care.

3. With reference to the Registrar General of India (RGI) and vital statistics in India, consider the following statements: 1. The RGI functions under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. 2. The Civil Registration System (CRS) in India records births, deaths, and stillbirths, and is legally mandated by the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969. 3. The 'Sample Registration System' (SRS) provides estimates of fertility and mortality indicators at the national and sub-national levels. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Registrar General of India (RGI) functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), not the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. Statement 2 is correct. The Civil Registration System (CRS) is indeed responsible for registering vital events like births, deaths, and stillbirths, and its functioning is governed by the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969. Statement 3 is correct. The Sample Registration System (SRS) is a large-scale demographic survey conducted by the RGI to provide reliable annual estimates of birth rates, death rates, and other fertility and mortality indicators at the national and sub-national levels.

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