India, May 18 -- We have the drugs. We have the programme. We have the proof. What India lacks is the political will to measure hypertension properly, manage it consistently, and make control of blood pressure a public health priority. Imagine a disease that kills more Indians every year than tuberculosis, HIV and malaria combined. A disease whose treatment can cost less than a cup of chai each month. A disease for which medicines are already available free in government hospitals. Yet only a fraction of those living with it have it under control.

That disease is hypertension.

India is home to nearly 220 million people with high blood pressure. Cardiovascular diseases - heart attacks, strokes, and related conditions - already claim more...