Dr Jitendra Singh Calls For Nationwide Movement Against Cancer, Diabetes, Obesity

New Delhi, Jul 19: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Sunday called for a nationwide “Jan Andolan” (People’s Movement) against cancer, diabetes, obesity and other lifestyle diseases, stressing that India’s response must extend beyond hospitals and focus on prevention, early diagnosis and scientific awareness. 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 adviser Dr Akhilesh Gupta, the Minister said the growing burden of non-communicable diseases requires collective public participation and evidence-based healthcare. Dr Singh said India faces the twin challenge of rising lifestyle diseases and widespread health misinformation, making scientific communication and reliable medical guidance more important than ever. Highlighting the importance of preventive healthcare, he urged people to adopt balanced diets, regular physical activity and periodic health check-ups, noting that many cancers can be effectively treated if detected early. The Minister also cautioned against unverified health advice and pseudoscientific claims, saying they often delay proper treatment and discourage patients from seeking qualified medical care. Referring to initiatives such as the Genome India Programme, indigenous biotechnology innovations and Ayushman Bharat, Dr Singh said India is strengthening its healthcare system through scientific research and affordable medical solutions. He called for closer collaboration among government, researchers, academia, clinicians and industry to translate scientific discoveries into accessible healthcare and reiterated that achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 requires a healthier population through collective national effort.