Apollo Report Reveals Undiagnosed Chronic Illness Crisis in India

New research from Apollo Hospitals shows the lurking crisis of undiagnosed chronic diseases for millions in India's healthcare scenario. On screenings conducted of 2.5 million across the national hospital network, the Health of the Nation 2025 report shows that out of subjects, 26% had high blood pressure and 23% actually had diabetes without any symptoms. These findings suggest a systemic failure in early detection and preventive care.

Fatty liver continues to become one of the greatest concerns of metabolism. Of the 2,57 lakh screened individuals, 85% of the diagnosed patients had no history of consuming alcohol. Shockingly, studies have found more than half showing normal blood tests, indicating that conventional diagnostics are missing key early markers.

One other alarming trend observed is in women's health post-menopause-the prevalence of diabetes escalated from 14% pre-menopausal to 40% post-menopausal while obesity increased from 76% to 86%. Fatty liver also has pervasive extension, thus emphasizing the need for well-targeted, age-and gender-specific interventions.

Dr Prathap C Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals said, "Preventive healthcare is no longer the future—it’s the present, We must integrate screenings into everyday life — from schools and offices to family routines".

Health is deteriorating in childhood and youth. Eight percent of primary schools are obesity, and 28% are college students. In addition, early signs of prehypertension can be found in 19% of the youth, indicating the early onset of lifestyle diseases.

The widespread nutrient deficiencies in the population only worsen the situation. Vitamin D was found deficient in almost 80% of those screened, with 45% of women being anemic. Among the under-40 population, 49 % of men and 35 % of women had vitamin B12 deficiency.

Mental health disorders are on the hike as well as sleep disorders. Depression symptoms were observed in 7% of women and 5% of men aged 40–55 while 25% show high risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Of these, perhaps the scariest is the silent developing early heart disease. Advanced scans showed 46% had coronary calcium, and 2.5% of those under 40 already had built-up.

The report calls for a nationwide shift from a reactive treatment approach to proactive preventive healthcare driven by data and early intervention.