World Health Day 2023: Union Health Ministry organises Walkathon event in New Delhi

World Health Day 2023: Welfare organised a walkathon event in New Delhi. The event was organised under the theme - ‘Health for All’. The aim of the walkathon was to create awareness about healthy habits not only to keep away Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) but also for positive effects on mental well-being. The event started from Vijay Chowk via Kartavya Path and passed through India Gate to reach Nirman Bhawan.  

Over 350 enthusiastic participants, walking for better health, participated with great fervour. They took a pledge to adopt healthy and active living to prevent and control lifestyle-related health problems/diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, mental illness and cancer.

"It is health that is real wealth, not pieces of gold & silver." - Mahatma Gandhi

On #WorldHealthDay, we reiterate our commitment towards building a healthier India.

Take a look at how PM @NarendraModi Ji's Govt has been working relentlessly towards ensuring Health For All  pic.twitter.com/6UAB57A00O

— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) April 7, 2023

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya thanked everyone for their participation in the event. He said that 'It has remained India’s philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam where we think about the progress for all and not just self. This philosophy was observed during the Covid crisis when India provided vaccines and medical supplies to the countries in need without considering any commercial profits. India has been at the forefront of helping every stakeholder, and with this spirit, India is working for the health of its citizens and the world.”

He also highlights the significance of health in a country’s development. He said that “under the leadership of the Prime Minister, India has connected health to development. Only healthy citizens can create a healthy society and, in turn, a developed nation. In this Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, I urge you all to work together to create a developed and healthy India.”

The Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar said ‘Be it a walkathon, yoga or other exercises, our youth is enthusiastically inculcating these physical activities in their lives.’ She said that the ‘Health for all’ concept originates from the fact that a healthy person not only contributes positively to their family but also to society. She also noted that the country took a strong resolve under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister for a fit India, where behavioural changes and a more physically active lifestyle are being encouraged.

It is known that NCDs account currently for more than 63 per cent of all deaths in the country and are strongly associated and causally linked with major behavioural risk factors such as tobacco use (smoking and smokeless), alcohol use, poor dietary habits, insufficient physical activity, and air pollution.