Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh on Sunday called for a nationwide 'Jan Andolan' against cancer, diabetes, obesity and other non-communicable diseases, stressing the need to focus on prevention, early diagnosis and evidence-based healthcare.
Speaking at the launch of "UNBROKEN: My Battle with Cancer and the Will to Lead," authored by cancer survivor and former Department of Science and Technology Senior Adviser Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, the minister said India is facing not only a growing burden of non-communicable diseases but also the challenge of health-related misinformation.
He said India's response to cancer, diabetes, obesity and other lifestyle diseases must go beyond hospital-based treatment and become a mass public movement centred on early detection, proper medical advice and evidence-based healthcare.
Dr. Singh stressed that scientific communication and evidence-based medical guidance are essential for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat.
He noted that the country is battling not only low awareness but also widespread health misinformation, making reliable scientific communication more important than ever.
The minister said cancer, diabetes, obesity, fatty liver disease and other metabolic disorders are emerging as major public health concerns in India and are increasingly affecting younger people.
He added that many cancers can now be treated or effectively managed if detected early, making timely screening and prompt medical intervention critical for improving survival rates.
Expressing concern over rising obesity and unhealthy lifestyles, Dr. Singh said preventive healthcare should become a national habit rather than an individual choice.
He emphasised that balanced nutrition, regular physical activity and periodic health check-ups should become part of everyday life to reduce the growing burden of lifestyle-related diseases.
With Inputs From IANS
