The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has instructed the state health departments to increase conducting screening camps for students at schools. The decision was following the findings of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on an increased burden of non-communicable diseases in every state.
“Looking at the findings of ICMR, we have found out that rate of lifestyle diseases among the population has increased. The ministry has alerted the states to up their screenings and awareness programmes, stress on physical activities and screening camps for students at school has been suggested,” said Rajeev Kumar, director, noncommunicable diseases, MoHFW.
As a first step, letters have been sent to all the state health departments in the last week. The letter also instructs states to conduct yoga sessions at schools. It also directs to keep a check on tobacco-free zones around the premises.
Dr Anup Kumar Yadav, the state’s national health mission, commissioner, said, “Preventive methods too will be stressed as directed by the MoHFW where students will be encouraged to take up yoga and sports to build the strong immune system. Poor lifestyle among people and children who can be seen with less physical activity and poor diet is one of the causes.”
The cases of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, cancer and suicidal tendencies have shot up in every state as per ICMR’s research findings.
Source: Hindustan Times