The “State of Healthcare in Rural India Report, 2024,” has brought to attention a significant rise in anxiety and depression among India’s rural population. This report, a joint effort by Transform Rural India (TRI) and its initiative, the Development Intelligence Unit (DIU), offers a comprehensive look at how rural Indians, who make up nearly 68% of the country’s population, seek medical help.
Key Findings from the Survey
The survey covered 21 states and 5,389 households, revealing that 45% of people in rural India, across both genders, are struggling with anxiety issues. This statistic highlights a growing mental health crisis that is no longer confined to urban areas. “A significant finding of the survey is the rise in anxiety levels in rural India, showing that mental health issues are no longer just an urban problem. In fact, 45% of respondents from rural areas reported experiencing anxiety and worry most of the time, affecting their overall well-being.”
Elderly Care in Rural Areas
One of the report’s key findings is the urgent need for better care for the elderly in rural households. According to the survey, 73% of rural households with elderly members require constant care. However, hiring an external caregiver is rare in these areas, with only 3% of households opting for this service. Instead, 95.7% of households rely on family members to provide care, with women making up 72.1% of the caregivers. This heavy reliance on family care highlights the importance of training in home-based care.
Neighbourhoods of Care: A New Model
Based on these insights, the report introduces a new approach called the Neighbourhoods of Care model. This model shifts away from traditional health delivery methods, recognising that not all health problems can be solved with medication or clinical interventions. Instead, it promotes holistic, personalised care that considers social and ecological factors.
This approach is more flexible than traditional health models and encourages collaboration among health professionals, social service providers, caregivers, community organisations, and residents. The goal is to create healthier communities through shared efforts.
Importance of Community and Behavioural Dynamics
Dr Maj Gen (Prof) Atul Kotwal, Executive Director of the National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC), stressed the importance of integrating community and behavioural dynamics into health planning. He pointed out that while the current health system includes various providers like ASHAs and CHOs, more effective collaboration is needed to enhance neighbourhood care.
Challenges Facing Rural Communities
The report also sheds light on several other challenges facing rural communities. For instance, more than 60% of respondents lack life insurance, and there is limited access to diagnostic facilities and affordable medicines. Additionally, 50% of respondents believe that physical labour on farmland keeps them fit, reducing the need for additional exercise.
Another significant issue is the lack of proper drainage and waste disposal systems in many villages. The report found that 43% of household’s dump waste in open areas, leading to health and environmental concerns.
Supporting Rural Communities
Shyamal Santra, Associate Director of Health and Nutrition at Transform Rural India (TRI), noted the report highlights the changing family structure, where more elderly people are left in need of care as younger members migrate. To address these challenges, the report emphasizes the importance of training local leaders, self-help groups, and service providers to better support individuals and families in rural communities. The researchers suggest that this support should be well-organised and work alongside local healthcare facilities to ensure effective assistance.