New research from India shows blood pressure control interventions including protocol-based treatment, a consistent supply of free antihypertensive medications, and decentralized care, led to improved blood pressure control rates.
The study compared survey results from nine districts implementing the India Hypertension Control Initiative (IHCI) between 2018–19 and 2023–24. IHCI— which was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Indian Council of Medical Research, with support from the World Health Organization, State Governments, and Resolve to Save Live uses strategies aligned with the World Health Organization’s HEARTS package to strengthen hypertension control in the public health system.
The new study shows that IHCI’s systems-based approach has improved hypertension control rates, reduced patient costs, and strengthened trust in public health services within just a few years.
Key findings include:
- Blood pressure control rates improved from 37% to 48% among patients treated in public facilities.
- The proportion of individuals paying for hypertension medicines fell from 47% to 9%. Eliminating out-of-pocket costs for antihypertensive medications reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and hospitalization.
- The availability of hypertension medicines in government health centers increased by nearly 10%.
These results show that progress on hypertension control is achievable with the right leadership, policies, and investments. Governments can follow India’s lead to prioritize hypertension control and save millions of lives.
Access the full research here.
Learn more about RTSL’s work in India and how we’re accelerating action to control high blood pressure.