New Delhi: Urging people to adopt a healthy lifestyle, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said obesity and diabetes have become a big cause of concern in the country. “The main concern today is that the people are gaining weight. Obesity and diabetes have become a big cause of concern. Diabetes has reached every home. It is such a disease that it invites all the other diseases. With Yoga being recognised across the globe, why can’t we too practise Yoga and adopt a healthier lifestyle,” the PM said. The Prime Minister was addressing virtually after dedicating the KK Patel Super Speciality Hospital in Bhuj, Gujarat. Advising against the habit of eating junk food, the Prime Minister said, “If the body is strong then the battle against diseases can be won.” Modi highlighted the importance of discipline and restraint in diet. He said Acharya Vinobha Bhave used to say that fasting is possible, but it is difficult to eat in moderation. Reiterating his focus on preventive approach to health, the PM said we have to put utmost importance on cleanliness. “If our surroundings are clean, the majority of the illnesses can be avoided,” he said. Modi said the world has adopted yoga for good health. He said the whole world turned its eyes on India’s Yoga and Ayurveda during the Corona period. Dedicating the hospital, the PM said, “This hospital is the first charitable super speciality hospital of the region which will act as guarantee of quality medical treatment for people of Kutch along with lakhs of soldiers, para military personnel and traders.” He said better healthcare facilities are not just limited to the treatment, they also encourage “social justice”. “When the poor get access to cheap and best treatment, their faith in the system gets strengthened,” he said. He explained that in past years, all the schemes of the health sector have been implemented with this thought behind them. “Ayushman Bharat Yojana and Jan Aushadhi Yojana are every year saving crores of rupees of the poor and middle class families on treatment,” he said. The Prime Minister said that two decades ago there were only nine medical colleges in Gujarat with only 1100 seats. “Today we have more than 36 medical colleges with 6000 seats. The country is going to get a record number of new doctors in the coming 10 years,” he added. UNI ASU SY 1505
