From Local Pain to Global Priority—How India Can Change Migraine Care

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Authors: Murugesan Arumugam
Cited by: 0
References: 26

Abstract

ABSTRACT Migraine is now recognized as the second leading cause of disability worldwide. With over 213 million individuals affected, India accounts for nearly one‐sixth of the global migraine population. Despite this, migraine remains overlooked in national health policy, with limited public awareness, inadequate clinical training, and uneven access to effective treatment. This personal view outlines four critical areas for reform: awareness, capacity building, treatment access, and research investment. The discussion calls for integration of migraine into the national agenda for non‐communicable diseases, in alignment with the World Health Organization Intersectoral Global Action Plan on neurological disorders. A structured national strategy using existing platforms such as the Ayushman Bharat program can provide a scalable model for other low‐ and middle‐income countries. Addressing migraine in India represents not only a national health need but also a shared global responsibility under the framework of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Migraine and Headache Studies Global Health and Surgery Global Health Workforce Issues

Publication details

Journal / source
World Medical & Health Policy
Volume
18
Issue
1
Publication date
12 January 2026
Language
EN