Living with a chronic condition means medicines become part of daily life for years, and often for life. India has a large and growing population managing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma and other non-communicable diseases.
(Author: Dr. Sabine Kapasi, CEO at Enira Consulting Pvt Ltd, Founder of ROPAN Healthcare Pvt Ltd, and a UN Advisor)
A 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis found that medication non-adherence among Indian patients with type 2 diabetes ranged from 11% to 68% across studies, with a pooled estimate of 48% among studies using the eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Treatment complexity, polypharmacy and difficulties accessing healthcare were among the factors associated with poor adherence. The problem is often not knowing that a medicine is needed but taking it correctly and consistently over time.
In 2023 a systematic review of 22 randomized controlled trials in India found moderate evidence that patient education and reminder systems can improve medication adherence in people with chronic diseases.
Following 8 habits can help make it easier and safer to manage long-term treatment.
