India's Life Expectancy Reaches 71 Years, Outpacing Pakistan
According to WHO, Indians live longer than Pakistanis but shorter than Bangladeshis, with significant changes in health metrics since 2021.
India's life expectancy at birth is 71 years, compared to 68.2 years in Pakistan and 72.7 years in Bangladesh.
Healthy life expectancy in India has improved to 60.6 years in 2023, recovering from a low of 58.4 years in 2021.
Non-communicable diseases now account for 75% of deaths in India, marking a significant shift in the country's health profile.
Recent estimates from the World Health Organization reveal that Indians can expect to live longer than their counterparts in Pakistan, with a life expectancy of 71 years in 2023. This figure, however, is still lower than that of Bangladesh, where life expectancy stands at 72.7 years. The data highlights the ongoing health disparities in South Asia, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on health metrics.
Historically, India's life expectancy has fluctuated, particularly during the pandemic. In 2019, the life expectancy was 70.5 years, which dropped to 68.1 years in 2021 before rebounding to 71 years in 2023. The recovery of 2.9 years over the last two years underscores the resilience of India's healthcare system, although the healthy life expectancy has seen a more modest recovery, increasing by only 2.2 years since 2021.
The WHO report indicates that while Indians are living longer, the quality of those years is a concern. In 2023, the healthy life expectancy is 60.6 years, just slightly above the 2019 level. This suggests that while longevity is increasing, the years spent in good health are not improving at the same rate. The data also shows that at age 60, individuals can expect to live another 18.8 years, with 13.7 of those years in good health.
The changing disease profile in India is noteworthy, with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) now accounting for a staggering 75% of deaths, a shift from 34% in 2000. Leading causes of death have also evolved, with conditions like ischaemic heart disease and diabetes now prevalent, while communicable diseases like tuberculosis have decreased significantly in their mortality impact.
Looking ahead, the focus for India's health policy will likely shift towards managing chronic diseases and improving the quality of life for its aging population. Continued monitoring and intervention will be essential as the country navigates these challenges, particularly in light of the ongoing global health trends that emphasize the rise of NCDs.
