NUTRACEUTICALS: A SLOW TRANSITION FROM PREVENTIVE TO CURATIVE HEALTHCARE AND THE PERCEPTIONS AMONG PHYSICIANS AND PATIENTS – A STUDY OF SOUTH DELHI IN INDIA

Introduction: The health and wellness sector is bracing for a radical change with Information and Communication Technology taking the leading role in research and development, diagnostics, and monitoring. The consumer’s focus is shifting from treatment-based remedies to preventive remedies gradually. Aim: To explore the slow transition from curative to preventive healthcare in the prescribing behavior of physicians and the different perceptions among physicians and patients regarding Nutraceuticals. Methods: A cross-sectional study based on observation was conducted in South Delhi in India. Random sampling was used to divide the physician population into two strata namely physicians practicing in the hospitals and physicians practicing privately. The respondents were interviewed separately and the prescriptions and bills were scrutinized. Pediatricianswere excluded from the study. The data was fed into EXCEL sheet and analyzed based on percentages and proportions. Results: It was found that vitamins comprised the largest chunk with 49% prescribed in the hospitals whereas 40% prescribed in the private clinics. It is found that 40% of the physicians agreed that non-availability was a major reason for fewer prescriptions. Sixty-five percent of the physicians and the patients disagree with the adequate awareness and supply of Nutraceuticals products whereas 50% disagree with the existence of the required variety of Nutraceuticals. Seventy-three percent and patients disagree that people consume a well-balanced diet everyday. Conclusion: Nutraceuticals prescribed at various healthcare organizations are less convincing. The present challenges need a systematic approach and proper coordination between the private and public healthcare sectors for better growth.