Maharashtra govt launches Fight Obesity awareness campaign
Maharashtra government's Medical Education
and Drugs Department along with ‘JT Foundation’ has launched "Fight Obesity",
an obesity awareness initiative today. Girish Mahajan, minister for medical
education and water resources launched this campaign simultaneously across
medical colleges in Maharashtra.
The dignitaries at the inaugural function
were Dr Jayashree Todkar, Convener of Fight Obesity Campaign & director of
JT Foundation, Dr Pravin Shingare, director, Medical Education and Research; Dr
Vinayak Kale, Dr Ajay Bhandarwar, head of Department for Laproscopy at J J
Hospitals; Dr Nagsen Ramtaje and Dr Saadhik Patel.
Under the leadership of chief minister,
Devendra Fadnavis who strives to fight the increasing prevalence of obesity and
serious lifestyle diseases associated with it. The state government has formed
a task force that will work on the awareness correction, prevention, early
diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
As per recent statistics, in a country with
1.25 billion populations, 87.3 million are obese, out of which 12 million have
severe obesity. But the growing cases of obesity have led to World Health
Organization (WHO) warning India to recognize the threat to life of the Indian
population by this disease and take preventive measures to fight obesity. This
is also one of the causes for many below the age of 40 suffering from heart
attacks and other cardiovascular diseases in India.
To address this high alert situation in the
country, a month long campaign that will end on December 29 was also launched.
Across 16 medical colleges in various districts of Maharashtra, a BMI testing
will be done for medical students, teaching, non-teaching staff and patients at
the outpatient department.
"This
being a one of a kind initiative in our country, we are glad that we are taking
this step to curb a life threatening condition among the current generation. I
feel very proud that alon with this inauguration ceremony, every medical
educational institute within the state will now have a dedicated obesity
clinic. We hope that this month long campaign will help develop a healthier
Nation," said Girish Mahajan, minister for medical education, water
resources and command area development.
Dr Jayashree Todkar, director, JT Foundation
said, "Unfortunately, Obesity is
considered a cosmetic problem in our country but it is a health hazard and it
is very essential for those who are obese to consult a doctor and learn to
maintain a healthier lifestyle. This campaign will help us understand the obese
pockets in the state and help in taking remedial measures and provide awareness
sessions for them. I would like to thank the State Government to provide us
with such a platform, also IDA and AAARO for supporting our initiative.”
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