Since the liberalisation era, India has witnessed a significant rise in deaths caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In 1990, NCDs accounted for 37.9 per cent of total deaths, which rose to 61.8 per cent by 2016. By the end of 2023, NCDs were responsible for 63 per cent of total deaths in the country. Notably, this upward trend in NCDs has also driven growth in the wellness sector and medical systems like Ayurveda. Healthcare stakeholders have observed that people are increasingly looking beyond short-term prevention and treatment, opting instead to address the root causes of health issues.
According to market research group The India Watch, the Indian wellness market is expanding rapidly and is projected to surpass USD 72 billion by 2025. Currently, the market is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28 per cent, fuelled by rising demand for wellness, healing, and long-term rejuvenation.
Karan Bhargava, founder & CEO of sehatUP, notes that wellness and preventive care are gaining prominence as more people recognise the importance of shifting from a reactive to a proactive healthcare approach. This shift emphasises 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 centres equipped with advanced medical technology. Public-private partnerships are also anticipated to improve healthcare access and infrastructure, especially in underprivileged areas,” he says.
Experts highlight that the wellness segment has significant potential to contribute to the mental health domain as well this year.
Manun Thakur, founder and CEO of Veda Rehabilitation & Wellness, points out that approximately 15 per cent of the population experiences mental health issues, with a treatment gap of 80 per cent 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 per cent of the total health budget, underscoring the need for more pragmatic investments,” he says.
Thakur emphasises that addressing mental health concerns effectively 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 explains.
He also underscores the importance of promoting evidence-based wellbeing practices at both organisational and personal levels to significantly improve lifestyles.
