NEW DELHI:In a recent directive, the Central Government has urged premier medical institutions such as AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER, and others to overhaul their college canteens by replacing unhealthy high-fat diets and sugary beverages with wholesome alternatives. The move aims to address the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCD) in the country.
HEALTHIER CHOICES ENCOURAGED:
The government’s recommendations include incorporating fresh fruits, vegetables, millets, and whole grains as alternatives to combat the adverse effects of unhealthy diets. Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr. Atul Goel emphasized the potential impact of such initiatives on both societal and national health.
NCD STATISTICS:
Dr. Goel highlighted that non-communicable diseases contribute to approximately 63% of all deaths in the country, with cardiovascular diseases leading at 27%, followed by chronic respiratory diseases (11%), cancers (9%), diabetes (3%), and others (13%). The DGHS emphasized the significant role played by unhealthy diets, fast food, and sugary beverages in exacerbating the NCD burden.
PAST INITIATIVES:
This directive follows a similar move from the DGHS last year, where medical associations were urged to ban alcohol consumption at medical conferences. The letter cited the link between alcohol use and various diseases, including liver cirrhosis, cancers, and haemorrhagic strokes.
