Since the liberalization era, India has witnessed a significant rise in deaths caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In 1990, NCDs accounted for 37.9 percent of total deaths, which rose to 61.8 percent by 2016. By the end of 2023, NCDs were responsible for 63 percent of total deaths in the country. This upward trend has driven growth in the wellness sector and medical systems such as Ayurveda. Healthcare stakeholders note that people are increasingly looking beyond short-term prevention and treatment, opting to address root causes of health issues.
According to the market research group The India Watch, the Indian wellness market is projected to surpass USD 72 billion by 2025, currently growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28 percent due to rising demand for wellness, healing, and long-term rejuvenation.
Karan Bhargava, founder and CEO of sehatUP, emphasizes that wellness and preventive care are gaining prominence as individuals recognize the shift from a reactive to a proactive healthcare approach. This shift focuses on healthy lifestyles and early disease detection. ‘The private sector is expected to play a crucial role in this transformation, with investments in modern hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers equipped with advanced medical technology. Public-private partnerships are anticipated to improve healthcare access and infrastructure, especially in underprivileged areas,’ he states.
Experts highlight the wellness segment’s potential to contribute significantly to mental health this year. Manun Thakur, founder and CEO of Veda Rehabilitation & Wellness, points out that around 15 percent of the population experiences mental health issues, with an 80 percent treatment gap for common disorders. ‘The 2024-25 Union Budget allocated ₹90 crore to the National Tele Mental Health Programme, aiming to enhance accessibility through digital platforms. However, this accounts for only about 1 percent of the total health budget, underscoring the need for more pragmatic investments,’ he explains.
Thakur emphasizes that effectively addressing mental health requires a multidisciplinary approach. ‘This includes integrating mental health services into primary healthcare, ensuring insurance coverage for various treatments, expanding digital health solutions, and launching awareness campaigns to combat stigma. Collaborative efforts among government bodies, private sectors, and NGOs are critical to building a supportive ecosystem that ensures equitable access to mental health services across the nation.’ He also emphasizes promoting evidence-based wellbeing practices at both organizational and personal levels to significantly improve lifestyles.
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