New Delhi, July 19 (IANS). Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh on Sunday called for a nationwide mass movement against cancer, diabetes, obesity and other non-communicable diseases. He said India’s response to the growing burden of lifestyle disorders should not be limited to hospitals, but should evolve into a mass movement that focuses on prevention, early diagnosis and evidence-based healthcare.
The Minister was speaking at the launch of the book ‘Unbroken: My Battle with Cancer and the Will to Lead’ written by Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, former senior advisor in the Department of Science and Technology. During this, he said that the country is not only facing the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases, but is also facing the increasing challenge of health related misinformation.
He said that to tackle the increasing burden of cancer, diabetes, obesity and other non-communicable diseases, India needs to be a mass movement, not limited to hospitals, but focused on early diagnosis, right medical advice and evidence-based healthcare.
He emphasized that scientific communication and evidence-based medical advice have become more important than ever to achieve the goal of a developed India.
Dr Singh said that the country today is facing not only a lack of awareness but also the challenge of widespread health misinformation, making scientific communication and evidence-based health communication more important than ever to realize the goal of a developed India.
The Minister said that 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 the young age group.
He explained that many cancers can be treated or controlled if detected early, so timely detection and prompt medical intervention is vital to improve survival rates.
Expressing concern over rising obesity and unhealthy lifestyle, the Minister said preventive health care should become a national habit rather than an individual choice.
He said that if India has to reduce the increasing burden of lifestyle diseases, balanced nutrition, regular physical activity and periodic health check-ups will have to be made an integral part of everyday life.
–IANS
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