Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit inaugurates Apollo's Billion Hearts Beating Campaign in Delhi
The Chief Minister and Health Minister of Delhi pledge a healthy lifestyle
Tweet-- Today the Hon'ble Chief Minister Smt. Sheila Dikshit pledged to support the Billion Hearts Beating (BHB) campaign launched by Apollo Hospitals Group. The campaign seeks to spread awareness about prevention of heart disease and its various risk factors and what can be done to control the problem. A free Cardiac Screening Camp by Apollo Hospitals was also organized for over 400 members of the Chief Minister's office.
Some of the factors contributing to increase in cardiac diseases in India:
- The World Health Report (2002) projects Cardio Vascular Disease to be the largest cause of death and disability in India by 2020 (WHO, 2002).
- The World Health Organisation also estimated 60% of the world's population to be Indian by 2010 and by 2015, half of all deaths in India is likely to be caused by CHD.
- Indian male are three to four times more susceptible to have a heart attack than their western counterparts.
- More people suffering from diabetes - which raises the risk of heart diseases.
- In the past 50 years, coronary diseases among the urban population have risen from 4% to 11%.
Taking the pledge the Chief Minister, Smt. Sheila Dikshit said, "A cause as large and complex as this needs the support of all. I have taken the pledge and encourage everyone to do the same. The urgency of talking about heart disease in India has not been stressed enough and I am glad that Apollo Hospitals has taken this up. This is a very important partnership between the Delhi Government and the Apollo Hospitals, which will soon be up on our health website. We will extend this awareness campaign to our 3000 resident welfare associations under the Bhagadhari scheme and NGO's."
Heart disease in India has assumed alarming proportions with the average Indian being three to four times more likely to have a heart attack than his/her western counterparts. Not only our senior citizens are at risk but it is the younger 30+ generation which is the heart of our nation's productivity and economy who are at a higher risk. Scientific evidence indicates 7 risk factors, which if addressed, can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease:Smoking, Cholesterol, Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Lack of Exercise,Obesity and Stress.
Also present on the occasion was Prof. Kiran Walia, Minister of Health, Family Welfare and Child Development, Delhi Government who congratulated the Apollo Hospitals Group for launching the Billion Hearts Beating campaign. Addressing the gathering she said "Our health department will whole heartedly support this campaign because we understand the importance of a healthy nation."
It is precisely with this sense of optimism that Apollo Hospitals has launched the "Billion Hearts Beating" initiative. It is a national multi media campaign that seeks to raise awareness levels and drive positive action towards preventing and treating heart diseases which can no longer be ignored.
"The problem of heart disease in the country has reached epidemic proportions. This should never have happened, as the risks pertaining to the problem can actually be addressed. We don't deserve to be called the 'Heart Disease Capital of the World'. We will take the first step to fight the problem of heart disease. Risk of heart disease can be significantly reduced through simple lifestyle modifications. Collectively as a nation we can do something about it. I am grateful to our Chief Minister Smt. Sheila Dikshit for her participation and support which will undoubtedly add great momentum to the campaign." said Dr. Prathap C Reddy, Founder-Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group.
The function was followed by a large free heart camp organized by the Apollo Hospitals for the benefit of the Delhi Government employees. The Billion Hearts Beating campaign proposes to conduct similar free heart camps across the country to create awareness among the public and help profile their risk factors.
In view of the urgency of addressing the issues of growing heart diseases in India, Apollo Hospitals has dedicated a large team of medical professionals to spread the message. The Billion Hearts Beating has a website www.billionheartsbeating.com, where people can support the cause by taking a pledge. A cause as large and complex as this needs the support of all; the campaign must acquire the momentum it deserves to create an impact.
Notes to Editor
About Apollo Hospitals
In 1983, Dr Prathap C Reddy, the architect of modern Indian healthcare, launched the first corporate hospital in India- Apollo Hospitals Chennai. Today, an integrated healthcare company, the Apollo Hospitals Group has over 8,500 beds across 52 hospitals, more than 1000 pharmacies and 100 diagnostic clinics, medical business process outsourcing services, health insurance services, and clinical research divisions with a focus on epidemiological studies, stem cell research and genetic research. To develop talent for the burgeoning need of superior healthcare delivery, the Apollo Hospitals Group has 10 nursing and hospital management colleges. These accomplishments have earned Apollo Hospitals Group accolades such as the Centre of Excellence from the Government of India and recognition from the Joint Commission International (seven of our hospitals are JCI accredited). In a rare honour, the Government of India issued a commemorative stamp in 2009, in recognition of Apollo's contribution, the first for a health care organization.
Apollo, for over 26 years, has continuously excelled and maintained leadership in medical innovation, world-class clinical services and cutting edge research. Our hospitals are consistently ranked amongst the best hospitals globally for advanced medical services.