December 15, 2015
This report, conducted by the Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR), Registrar General of India (RGI), and the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy (CDDEP), examines causes of premature death in Karnataka, India, applying cost-effectiveness methodologies from the Disease Control Priorities Project – 2. Findings reveal significant mortality due to preventable causes across various age groups.
For children under five, deaths are attributed to prematurity, infections, birth complications, pneumonia, and diarrhoeal diseases. Older children (5-14) succumb to communicable diseases and accidents, with drowning being a notable cause. Young adults (15-29) face high rates of suicide, transport accidents, HIV/AIDS, and alcohol-related diseases. Maternal mortality primarily stems from preventable complications during childbirth.
Among adults (30-69), heart disease, stroke, chronic lung disease, cancer, and tuberculosis are the leading causes of death. The report proposes an Entitlement Package of cost-effective interventions to avert over 130,000 premature deaths annually, at a cost of approximately Rs. 650 (US$11) per person per year.
To address the issue, the report recommends increased government investment in healthcare to alleviate the financial burden on individuals, particularly the poor. It advocates for a universal health program providing comprehensive coverage through public health facilities and regulated private provision. The Government of Karnataka is urged to prioritize health budget allocations and implement measures to ensure affordable access to essential healthcare services for all citizens.
Read the report here.
