Collective action needed for a healthy Mysuru, says Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao

Mysore/Mysuru: Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao inaugurated ‘Swastha Mysuru’, a joint initiative of the H.H. Sri Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar Foundation and Arogya World India Trust, at the Wadiyar Centre for Architecture on Krishnaraja Boulevard here this morning.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said the initiative focuses on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Mysuru.

“A healthy society can be built only when all organisations join hands and move together,”                       he opined.

Emphasising that corporates, Government bodies, civil society and academia have come together to make the citizens of this heritage city healthier, he noted that there is no rule that the Government alone must shoulder such responsibilities.

Pointing out the success of the ‘Swastha Bengaluru’ initiative, Dinesh Gundu Rao commended the organisers for extending the programme to Mysuru.

“Society can remain strong only when people are healthy and fit. A healthy population plays a vital role in the nation’s growth. Good health inspires people to achieve great things,” he added, wishing Swastha Mysuru initiative success.

Dietary habits, controlling NCDs

Stressing the importance of nutritious food and healthy lifestyle practices, the Minister expressed concern over the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer. He attributed the increase to poor daily habits and food practices.

“The Government and society cannot remain silent. It is essential to educate people on healthy habits and better lifestyle choices,” he said.

Listing various Government health programmes, the Minister noted that free treatment is available for several diseases and that free medicines are being provided for hypertension and diabetes. He also voiced concern over the rise in mental health disorders among children.

Reiterating the need for public awareness, he said the Health Department is ready to extend full cooperation to such initiatives.

In her address, Foundation President Pramoda Devi Wadiyar said ‘Swastha Mysuru’ aims to prevent and control NCDs in the city. “The initiative has already been launched in Bengaluru, with various programmes underway. Swastha Mysuru is the Foundation’s second major initiative. We have entered into a two-year agreement with the District Health and Family Welfare Department to reduce the burden of NCDs in Mysuru,” she said.

Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, Arogya World India Trust’s Dr. Nalini Saligram, Yoga Guru Acharya Bharath Shetty, medical practitioners Dr. C.D. Sreenivasa Murthy, Millet Man of India Dr. Khader Valli Dudekula, District Surveillance Officer Dr. D.G. Nagaraj, Dr. Pratibha Periera, Foundation Hon. Secretary Reginald Wesley and others were present.