By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : July 21, 2026 8:39 am
Union Minister urges evidence-based healthcare, early screening and scientific awareness to combat rising burden of non-communicable diseases
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology has called for a nationwide People's Movement (Jan Andolan) against cancer, diabetes, obesity and other lifestyle diseases.
The minister said India's response to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) must move beyond hospitals and become a mass public movement focused on early detection, evidence-based healthcare and timely medical intervention.
Speaking at the launch of "UNBROKEN: My Battle with Cancer and the Will to Lead," authored by cancer survivor and former Senior Adviser at the Department of Science & Technology, Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, the Minister said the country faces not only a rising incidence of lifestyle diseases but also an increasing challenge from health misinformation.
"The country today faces not merely a lack of awareness but also the challenge of widespread health misinformation, making scientific communication and evidence-based healthcare more important than ever for realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat," Dr. Singh said.
Describing the book as more than a personal memoir, the Minister said it reflects resilience, courage and faith in science while offering valuable lessons for patients, doctors, scientists and policymakers alike.
Highlighting India's changing disease profile, Dr. Singh noted that cancer, diabetes, obesity, fatty liver disease and other metabolic disorders are rising rapidly and increasingly affecting younger populations. He stressed that many cancers are now curable or manageable when diagnosed early, making regular screening and prompt medical care critical to improving patient outcomes.
Expressing concern over the growing prevalence of obesity and unhealthy lifestyles, he said preventive healthcare must become a national habit rather than an individual choice. He urged citizens to adopt balanced nutrition, regular physical activity and periodic health check-ups as part of everyday life.
The Minister also warned against the growing spread of misinformation related to nutrition, diet and disease management, noting that pseudoscientific advice often delays appropriate treatment and discourages patients from seeking qualified medical care.