• Meeting Overview:

  • Prof. (Dr.) Atul Goel, Director-General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, chaired a hybrid meeting with representatives from over 27 major Indian health bodies.

  • The meeting focused on advancing key health initiatives, including the promotion of healthy diets, physical activity, and addressing risk factors for non-communicable diseases such as tobacco and alcohol.

• Focus on Health Promotion and Prevention:

  • Dr. Goel emphasized the importance of redirecting healthcare resources towards disease prevention, rather than solely focusing on diagnostic and therapeutic measures.

  • The Healthy Medical/Dental College Campus Initiative was discussed, aiming to promote a culture of health and well-being in medical and dental institutions across India.

• Tobacco and Alcohol Control:

  • Participants discussed strategies to reduce tobacco and alcohol use, including the strengthening of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act 2019.

  • The significance of implementing dietary and lifestyle changes to curb non-communicable diseases was highlighted, with a focus on public awareness and educational campaigns.

• Declaration of Health Promotion:

  • All professional bodies present agreed to adopt a Declaration of Health Promotion and pledged to take active measures to support and promote health initiatives.

  • The participants stressed the importance of a collaborative approach, working closely with the Union Health Ministry to achieve health promotion goals.

• Participants and Commitments:

  • The meeting included Dr. L. Swasticharan, Additional DDG & Director EMR, along with senior officials from the Union Health Ministry.

  • Health professional bodies such as the National Medical Commission (NMC), World Health Organization (WHO), Indian Medical Association (IMA), and others participated.

  • The collective commitment was made to enhance public health through education, awareness, and policy advocacy, focusing on reducing tobacco use, alcohol abuse, and other health risk factors.

• Outcomes and Future Steps:

  • The meeting reaffirmed the Ministry's dedication to improving public health and well-being through proactive and collaborative measures.

  • The health bodies pledged to work together with the Ministry to further health promotion initiatives, ensuring a healthier future for the nation.

(Rehash/Pratiksha Jadhav/MSM)