Government, people to work in tandem to tackle health issues

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan Sunday announced a slew of government campaigns to tackle major communicable and non-communicable diseases which would also serve as a means to develop a social movement.

He said these campaigns will involve NGOs, religious organisations, educational institutions, medical professionals of the government and private sectors, and clubs.

"We will use such occasions to communicate with citizens on how to deal with diseases at the prevention and curative levels, the importance of timely check-ups and other matters," Vardhan told reporters on the sidelines of a walk organised to mark the World Heart Day here.

"A specific day in a year will be dedicated to awareness building on a particular disease. For instance, November 7 will be observed as National Cancer Awareness Day, apart from February 4 which is already marked as World Cancer Day," Vardhan said.

He said the government has also planed to mark special days for diabetes, anaemia, hyper-tension, blindness, deafness, mal-nutrition, obesity, mental conditions and issues related to infant and maternal mortality.

Vardhan emphasised the need for social mobilisation and how every human can become a stake-holder in the country's health system.

"If everybody can be kept healthy through a balanced diet, avoidance of smoking, drinking and substance abuse and by exercising and walking every day, then the entire disease burden of the country would drop dramatically and the health ministry's budget would be optimally utilised," he said.

Vardhan also appealed to all doctors, health workers and NGO activists to work harder to conscientise people to the dangers of cardio-vascular diseases - the single biggest cause of pre-mature death.

"Heart diseases and strokes are becoming more common in our society than before. I see younger and younger people falling victim to this killer. There is widespread ignorance of the simple fact that it is preventable," he said.

"NGOs need to dedicate some of their energies to training neighbourhood people with knowledge in how to administer Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)".

CPR is an emergency procedure performed to manually preserve brain function, during a cardiac arrest, until he/she is in given proper medical care.

He also urged the Delhi Medical Association, residents' welfare societies (RWAs) and like-minded groups to conduct camps to train people in CPR.

"The government has already launched an offensive against smoking by taxing tobacco products. The next target is fast foods in school and office canteens which leave citizens with no option but to gulp fatty and unhealthy foods. The ill effects of alcohol consumption would also be highlighted," Vardhan said.

"Spiritual pursuits like meditation or group sessions with philosophers also help avoid heart conditions. Yoga can be used as a preventive medicine for cardio-vascular conditions. A mind at peace is like a fort against heart conditions," he added.