City’s corporates, NGOs, educational institutions, start-ups pledge to reach half a million citizens and help them improve their health
- Multi-stakeholder collaboration designed to help bring down city’s NCD burden
Bengaluru, November 28, 2022 – Dr. K Sudhakar, Minister for Health, Family Welfare and Medical Education, Government of Karnataka today inaugurated the Arogya City summit, to mark the start of a movement to reduce the growth of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the city. Led by Rotary (District 3190), Arogya World, and Bangalore Political Action Committee (BPAC), the effort calls upon the city’s corporates, entrepreneurs, NGOs and educational institutions to accept the challenge towards making Bengaluru India’s first Arogya City. Statements of support have been received from government entities as well.
Speaking at the Arogya City Summit, Dr. K Sudhakar, Minister for Health, Family Welfare and Medical Education, Government of Karnataka said, “Non-Communicable Diseases are growing in Bengaluru at an alarming rate and recent surveys have pointed out that 25 percent of the city’s population are diabetic. Long working hours, a sedentary lifestyle and poor dietary habits are at the root of this surge. The Arogya City initiative has come at the appropriate time and I am confident the movement will aid us in our fight against the problem of NCDs. The Government of Karnataka will extend every support to the Arogya City initiative to transform Bengaluru into India’s First Arogya City.”
Sharing her thoughts, Dr. Nalini Saligram, Founder and CEO, Arogya World said, “NCDs are a challenge in our city. We congratulate the first of our Pledgemakers – the C20 group – for stepping up and Accepting the Challenge. Enhancing the health of our people will be a long-drawn process and we are committed to working towards transforming Bengaluru into India’s first Arogya City.”
Dr. Devi Shetty, noted cardiac surgeon and Chairman & Founder of Narayana Health, and one of the brand ambassadors of the campaign said, “As a cardiac surgeon I ask myself every time if the patient needs an extensive medical procedure. Often, patients can avoid such situations by simply looking after their health through lifestyle changes- good diet, adequate physical activity and regular consultation with their doctor.”
Ashwini Nachappa, Arjuna Awardee, Former Olympian and Brand Ambassador said, “Lifestyle diseases affect largely the younger population and that is a matter of great concern. The Arogya City effort heralds a collective movement to help the people of Bengaluru live healthy lives and prevent disease.”
Mr K Jairaj, (IAS Retd), Chairman, Advisory Committee, Arogya City Project said, “Bengaluru is a progressive, forward looking city and I am glad this movement is starting here. I have high hopes for what this group of passionate leaders can achieve – together.”
Rtn Jitendra Aneja, District Governor, Rotary 3190 said, “Getting different stakeholders to take ownership of health projects in the city is a brilliant idea and we at Rotary are keenly looking forward to making significant public health impact through our pledge.”
Revathy Ashok, CEO, B.PAC said, “I am truly excited to see the number of pledges made by stakeholders showing their concern and commitment to improve the health of our citizens. It is a matter of great pride that Bengaluru is the first city in the country to launch the Arogya City initiative.”
