New Delhi, July 19 (IANS) Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh on Sunday called for a nationwide ‘Jan Andolan’ against cancer, diabetes, obesity and other non-communicable diseases, saying India’s response to the growing burden of lifestyle disorders must extend beyond hospitals and evolve into a mass public movement focused on prevention, early diagnosis and evidence-based healthcare.
Addressing the launch of “UNBROKEN: My Battle with Cancer and the Will to Lead”, authored by cancer survivor and former Department of Science and Technology Senior Adviser Dr Akhilesh Gupta, the minister said the country faces not only a rising burden of non-communicable diseases but also the growing challenge of health-related misinformation.
“India’s response to the growing burden of Cancer, Diabetes, obesity and other non-communicable diseases must move beyond hospitals and become a mass public movement centred on early detection, right medical advice and evidence-based healthcare,” the minister mentioned.
He stressed that scientific communication and evidence-based medical advice have become more important than ever in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat.
“The country today faces not merely a lack of awareness but also the challenge of widespread health misinformation, making scientific communication and evidence-based health communication more important than ever for realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat,” Dr Singh mentioned.
The minister said cancer, diabetes, obesity, fatty liver disease and other metabolic disorders are emerging as some of India’s biggest public health challenges and are increasingly affecting younger age groups.
“Many cancers are now treatable or manageable if detected early, making timely screening and prompt medical intervention crucial to improving survival rates,” Dr Singh explained.
Expressing concern over rising obesity and unhealthy lifestyles, the minister said preventive healthcare should become a national habit rather than an individual choice.
“Balanced nutrition, regular physical activity and periodic health check-ups, must become integral to everyday life if India is to reduce the growing burden of lifestyle diseases,” he mentioned.
–IANS
pk