Prime Minister Narendra Modi has raised alarms over India’s rising obesity rates, calling it a serious health risk. During his visit to Gujarat and the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, he cited a report estimating that nearly 44 crore Indians could be obese by 2050.
Describing the statistics as “huge and scary,” he emphasized the need for urgent lifestyle changes to curb obesity and its related diseases.
Government’s Steps Towards Health and Nutrition
At a rally in Silvassa, the Prime Minister urged people to take proactive steps to improve their health. He suggested:
- Reducing edible oil consumption by 10%
- Engaging in regular physical exercise and cycling
He also launched a food security saturation campaign in Surat to promote better nutrition across the country.
Affordable Healthcare and Development Projects
During his visit, Modi announced the opening of 25,000 new Jan Aushadhi Kendras to provide affordable medicines. He claimed that citizens have already saved ₹30,000 crore through these government-subsidized pharmacies.
Additionally, he inaugurated several key projects, including:
- A 450-bed hospital in Silvassa
- Two circuit houses in Diu
- A toy train in Daman
- New anganwadis and schools across the Union Territory
Vision for Development and Political Remarks
Encouraging local residents, Modi compared the region’s potential to Singapore’s transformation from a small fishing village to a global hub.
In Surat, he also took a dig at the Congress, stating that those who won zero seats may struggle to count the ₹32 lakh crore loans disbursed under the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana, aimed at boosting small businesses.
A Call to Action for a Healthier India
PM Modi’s speech underlined the importance of collective efforts to combat lifestyle diseases. With obesity emerging as a major public health concern, his appeal for dietary and fitness awareness aims to encourage a healthier India.