Varanasi, Dec 29: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, a renowned Diabetologist and Professor of Diabetes, launched the “Rural Diabetes Control & Prevention Campaign” in the village of Purana Ramnagar in Varanasi. The campaign is part of the Village Adoption Program under the aegis of the “Research Society for Study of Diabetes in India” (RSSDI) – Uttar Pradesh Chapter.
Expressing concern over the fast spread of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in villages, Dr Jitendra emphasized the need for a mass campaign to prevent the disease in rural areas. The launch took place in Varanasi, a city known for its ancient and holy significance.
He noted that Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, once confined to the affluent and urban areas, is now reaching alarming levels in rural India. The probable causes include common eating habits, the rise of fast food consumption, increased automation in agriculture, and a resulting lack of physical activity.
Applauding the efforts of RSSDI, the union minister appreciated their initiative for diabetes prevention and management in rural India. He highlighted the need to work for prevention in villages near big cities and progressing rapidly toward urbanization. Dr. Singh commended the adoption of four villages in Barabanki by RSSDI UP Chapter in 2019, where efforts led to improved lives and better diabetes control.
Dr Singh pointed out the surge in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in India over the last two decades, becoming a pan-Indian concern. The disease has transitioned from South India to North India and from urban to rural areas. Lifestyle management, including diet and physical activity, plays a crucial role in managing Type 2 Diabetes.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s support for indigenous medical research, Dr Jitendra mentioned the positive impact of Yoga Asana and lifestyle modifications in Naturopathy on the treatment of non-communicable diseases like Diabetes-Mellitus.
Lauding PM Modi’s prioritization of healthcare, he said that India successfully managed the COVID pandemic and developed a DNA vaccine within two years. He expressed optimism about India becoming a front-ranking nation globally in terms of the best healthcare system in the next 25 years.
During the event, Dr Jitendra Singh felicitated Padma Shri Prof Kamalakar Tripathi and Ritesh Pal, the Gram Pradhan (Village Head) of Purana Ramnagar.
