Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : In the first ever cycle rally organised at the India International Trade Fair (IITF), Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Health and Family Welfare Minister, on November 16, 2021, cycled to inaugurate the Health Pavilion to generate awareness and promote a healthy active lifestyle in view of the rising burden of NCDs in the country.
Mandaviya was joined by senior officers of the Health Ministry including Dr Balram Bhargava, DG, ICMR; Arun Singhal, CEO, FSSAI; Dr Dharmender Gangwar, AS&FA; Vikas Sheel, AS&MD (NHM); Lav Agarwal, JS (IH); Vishal Chauhan, JS (NHM).
The theme of this year’s Health Pavilionat the 40th IITF at Pragati Maidan is to create awareness about Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), also called lifestyle diseases, and project importance of total health.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Health Pavilion at ITF2021, Dr Mandaviya announced a month- long campaign as part of “Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav” to create awareness about preventive health. “During this month- long campaign, we have set ourselves a target of conducting 7.5 lakh Wellness Sessions and 75 lakh NCD screenings across the country through the Ayushman Bharat Health & Wellness Centres. Early screening will aid in timely identification of diseases. This is part of the overarching concept of Total Health, which is comprehensive including preventive and promotive health,” he stated, according to a PIB release.
“The Fit India, Eat Right India, Khelo India, and yoga form part of the “Total Health” vision of the Prime Minister which will lay the foundations of a healthy and productive New India,” Mandaviya added. He also observed that Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is a revolution and will help us in digital records keeping. He said, “As a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav activities, we will be launching a drive to register for Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.”
Speaking on India’s Covid-19 nationwide vaccination drive, Mandaviya stated, “Under the guidance of the Prime Minister, “Jan Bhagidari” has played a very critical role in India’s fight against Covid.” He highlighted the achievements of the country in the high vaccination coverage and expressed gratitude to the media for creating awareness against rumours, misinformation, and removing hesitancy.
“We have administered 113 crore vaccination doses with the support of various stakeholders,” Mandaviya said. He also spoke on the Ayushmann Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission launched recently by PM Narendra Modi to deal with any future pandemic and improve health infrastructure. “Rs. 64,000 crore have been sanctioned by the Govt of India with the objective of covering every district to strengthen health Infrastructure of the country,” he said.