Obesity emerging as major challenge for India: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said obesity is emerging as a major challenge for the country, and everyone must contribute to this fight against the challenge.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 79th Independence Day, he warned that according to experts, one in every three people will suffer from obesity in the coming years and reiterated his previous suggestion to buy 10 per cent less oil for cooking.

"When I speak of fitness, when I speak of sports, I also wish to place before you a matter of concern. Obesity is becoming a very grave crisis for our nation, and every family in our country should take it seriously. We must protect ourselves from obesity.

"Therefore, while many steps will have to be taken, I had made one small suggestion that every family should resolve that when cooking oil comes into the house, it should be 10 per cent less than usual and its usage should also be 10 per cent less," the prime minister said.

Modi further said the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana has freed people from the habit of silently enduring illness and helped them get good healthcare. "When we help senior citizens with more than Rs 5,00,000 for their health needs, it shows our concern for their well-being".

He emphasized India's growing prowess in domestic pharmaceutical innovation and the urgent need to develop new medicines, vaccines, and life-saving treatments entirely in India.

Researchers and entrepreneurs were urged to secure patents for new drugs and medical technologies, ensuring that India not only meets its own healthcare needs but also becomes a global hub of medical self-reliance and innovation.