CM launches `Healthy Madhya Pradesh Initiative’; Preventive health care tests of youth to be carried out

By KK Jha

Indore: Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav launched the Healthy Madhya Pradesh Initiative here on Sunday to increase awareness about preventive healthcare among the youth of Madhya Pradesh. This campaign aims to conduct preventive health tests for youth across the state to protect them from lifestyle-related diseases. As part of the campaign, doctor consultations and guidance for improving lifestyles will be provided. During the launch, Dr. Yadav emphasized that spiritual progress is only possible with a healthy body.

Urban Administration Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya commended the campaign and emphasized the importance of staying healthy. Member of Parliament Shankar Lalwani highlighted that the campaign will include preventive healthcare tests for the youth across the state. Dr. Vinita Kothari revealed that a previous survey conducted in Indore showed concerning results, particularly regarding the health parameters of the youth, necessitating immediate action. Senior cancer surgeon Dr. Arun Agrawal pointed out the increasing cases of cancer among youth and its connection to lifestyle. The event was also attended by Water Resources Minister Tulsi Silawat, Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava, legislators, members of the Mayor’s Council, and corporators.

Previously, as part of the Health of Indore campaign, tests were conducted on 250,000 people in the city. This unique preventive healthcare survey, the largest of its kind in the world, yielded alarming results. During the survey, 25% of the 30,000 youths aged 18 to 30 were found to be in the pre-diabetic stage. Additionally, 7.34% of the youths had thyroid problems. About 2% had elevated creatinine levels, and over 10% of the youths were at risk of liver disease, as indicated by elevated SGPT levels. Furthermore, 39.50% of the participants in this survey were found to have high cholesterol levels, while 34% had blood pressure issues. Approximately 33.5% of the youths had a high Body mass Index (BMI), and around 18% were found to be obese. The Health of Indore campaign was conducted jointly by MP Seva Sankalp, Central Lab, the Red Cross Society, and the Indian Medical Association. In January 2024, then Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, acknowledging the success of Indore’s preventive healthcare model, suggested its implementation across the country.