Jitendra Singh calls for nationwide Jan Andolan against lifestyle diseases
Calling for a nationwide People’s Movement (Jan Andolan) against cancer, diabetes, obesity and other lifestyle diseases, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Jitendra Singh, on Sunday said India’s response to these diseases must move beyond hospitals and become a mass public movement.
It should be centred on early detection, right medical advice and evidence-based healthcare, he added.
The Minister said 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 realising the vision of Viksit Bharat.
He was addressing the launch of “UNBROKEN: My Battle with Cancer and the Will to Lead”, authored by Cancer survivor, eminent Scientist and former Senior Adviser, Department of Science & Technology, Akhilesh Gupta.
The event was attended by eminent medical professionals, academic and scientific fraternity, senior Government officials, researchers and members of the scientific community, who came together to celebrate Dr Gupta’s remarkable journey of resilience after overcoming cancer.
Describing the book as much more than a personal memoir, Jitendra Singh said it chronicles an extraordinary journey of courage, resilience, integrity and unwavering faith in science.
Having read the book in its entirety, he said it offers important lessons not only for patients battling serious illnesses but also for doctors, scientists, administrators and young professionals, demonstrating how determination and the right medical guidance can transform adversity into inspiration.
Referring to India’s rapidly changing disease profile, Dr Jitendra Singh said non-communicable diseases have emerged as one of the country’s biggest public health challenges. Cancer, diabetes, obesity, fatty liver disease and other metabolic disorders are rising across all regions and are increasingly affecting younger populations.
He said several cancers are now curable or manageable if diagnosed early, making timely screening and prompt medical intervention the most effective tools for reducing mortality and improving treatment outcomes.
Expressing concern over the growing prevalence of obesity and unhealthy lifestyles, the Minister said preventive healthcare must become a national habit rather than an individual choice. He stressed that balanced nutrition, regular physical activity and periodic health check-ups should form an integral part of daily life if India is to curb the growing burden of lifestyle diseases.
