The Centre has issued directives to AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER, and other Institutes of National Importance (INIs), urging them to ensure the replacement of unhealthy high-fat diets, sugary beverages, and other consumables linked to non-communicable diseases, including junk food, in their college canteens with healthier alternatives.
The government recommends opting for healthier choices such as fresh fruits, vegetables, millets, and whole grains. Dr. Atul Goel, the Director General of Health Services (DGHS), emphasized in a letter to medical colleges on January 1 that implementing these small initiatives at each level can have a significant impact on both societal and national health.
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Junk Food:
Dr. Goel, in his correspondence, highlighted that non-communicable diseases (NCD) are projected to constitute approximately 63% of all fatalities in the nation. Among these, cardiovascular diseases top the list at 27%, trailed by chronic respiratory diseases at 11%, cancers at 9%, diabetes at 3%, and other conditions at 13%. The Director General of Health Services (DGHS) pointed out that unhealthy diets, fast food (such as burgers, pizzas, etc.), and sugary beverages play a significant role in the escalating burden of NCDs.
Last year, the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) issued a similar letter to multiple medical associations, advocating for a ban on alcohol consumption during medical conferences. The correspondence detailed the associations between alcohol use and various diseases and injuries, including liver cirrhosis, cancers, and hemorrhagic strokes.
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