A Narrative Review of Strengthening Cardiac Rehabilitation in India: Challenges and Opportunities.

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a critical component of secondary prevention in cardiovascular disease (CVD) management. In India, where CVD prevalence is rising rapidly, CR remains severely underutilized due to multiple systemic barriers. These include limited infrastructure, insufficient funding, low awareness, and inequitable access across urban and rural regions. This review assesses the current CR landscape in India, contrasts it with global benchmarks, and highlights key implementation gaps. It further explores scalable solutions such as telerehabilitation, community-based programs, and integrated multidisciplinary models. The paper emphasizes the need for robust policy frameworks, sustainable funding, infrastructure strengthening, and comprehensive workforce development. Achieving universal access to CR in India demands a multisectoral, collaborative approach involving government agencies, healthcare providers, academic institutions, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and private stakeholders. Enhancing CR services is not only a clinical necessity but also a national public health priority.