Preventive health checks surge 150% in India in five years: Apollo Hospitals report

Hyderabad: Preventive health checks in India have seen a dramatic 150 per cent increase over the last five years, rising from 1 million in 2019 to more than 2.5 million by 2024.

According to Apollo Hospitals’ Health of the Nation 2025 (HoN-2025) report, the data signals a clear transformation in how individuals are engaging with their health—shifting from symptom-based treatment to proactive, preventive care.

Millions living with undetected chronic illnesses

Released on World Health Day, the fifth edition of the report draws from extensive screenings across Apollo’s hospitals, clinics, diagnostic labs and wellness centres, covering over 2.5 million individuals.

The findings highlight a growing health crisis that exists beneath the surface—millions are living with undetected chronic illnesses despite showing no visible symptoms.

65% respondents had fatty liver

Dr Prathap Reddy, chairman, Apollo Hospitals, emphasised the need to reframe India’s healthcare approach: “India must rise to the opportunity of creating healthy, happy families by placing health at the heart of every household. Preventive healthcare is no longer a future ambition—it is the cornerstone of a nation’s well-being today.”

The data collected through Apollo’s ProHealth program and EMRs show a substantial presence of asymptomatic chronic conditions:

• 26% of individuals were hypertensive

• 23% were diabetic without prior diagnosis

• 65% of those screened had fatty liver, with 85% of these cases unrelated to alcohol consumption

• 46% showed early signs of heart disease despite having no symptoms

Apollo ProHealth: A data-led model for prevention

The Apollo ProHealth program integrates diagnostics, predictive AI models, and behavioural nudges to help individuals manage their health proactively. Over the years, this approach has shown measurable outcomes:

• 59% of diabetics reduced HbA1C

• 51% of hypertensive individuals lowered their blood pressure

• 47% of overweight participants lost weight

Dr Suneeta Reddy, MD, Apollo Hospitals, stated, “Traditional screening is no longer enough. Apollo’s ProHealth program is laying the foundation for scalable and predictive healthcare. With real-time data and consistent follow-up, we are creating measurable population-level impact.”

Women’s health sees critical turning point post-menopause

The report flags a sharp rise in chronic diseases among post-menopausal women:

• Diabetes rises from 14% to 40%

• Obesity jumped from 76% to 86%

• Fatty liver increases from 54% to 70%

Dr Preetha Reddy, executive vice chairperson, Apollo Hospitals, stressed the importance of tailored care: “It is essential to have age-appropriate, gender-sensitive protocols that truly address the unique needs of women. The rise in metabolic risks post-menopause is a clear indicator that we need more than routine screenings.”

28% of college students overweight

The HoN-2025 report also underscores an alarming trend in younger populations. Obesity is becoming more common from primary school through college, with 28 per cent of college students overweight or obese and 19 per cent pre-hypertensive.

“These are not just numbers; they reflect long-term threats that must be addressed early,” Dr. Preetha Reddy added. “Apollo is committed to integrating these findings into life-stage-based care models.”

Other key health trends from the report

• Vitamin D Deficiency: 77% of women and 82% of men

• Mental Health: 6% showed signs of clinical depression

• Obstructive Sleep Apnea: 24% at high risk, especially men over 55

• Micronutrient Deficiencies: Vitamin B12 deficiency in 38% of men and 27% of women

• Obesity: 61% obese, 18% overweight

Among asymptomatic individuals, 46 per cent had signs of early atherosclerosis, while 2.5 per cent of those under 40 had detectable coronary artery disease.

Telangana and AP snapshot

In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, localised data echoed national trends:

• 24% had hypertension

• 82% were overweight or obese

• 81% had Vitamin D deficiency

• 47% had Grade I fatty liver

• 27% were anaemic

• 83% showed reduced flexibility, suggesting widespread physical inactivity

Apollo’s leadership is calling for systemic integration of preventive care into national health policy, educational systems, and corporate programs. The report advocates making preventive screenings as routine as annual checkups, incorporating health education into schools, and expanding access to personalized health analytics.

“It is time to integrate preventive care into every educational curriculum, corporate benefit, and family routine,” said Dr. Prathap Reddy. “Only then can we shift from treating illness to preserving health and ensure a healthier India for generations to come.”