NEW DELHI: India's rural areas witnessed around 30% fewer cardiac emergencies reaching health facilities in March 2020, compared to last year as prevention and treatment services for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were disrupted due to the outbreak of coronavirus in the country.
A World Health Organization (WHO) survey conducted in 155 countries during a three-week period in May confirmed that though the impact of covid-19 is global, but low-income countries are most affected.
People living with NCDs are at higher risk of severe covid-19-related illness and death, the WHO said. “Many people who need treatment for diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes have not been receiving the health services and medicines they need