What happened
Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh called for a nationwide People’s Movement, or Jan Andolan, against cancer, diabetes, obesity and other lifestyle diseases. He said India’s response to the rise of non-communicable diseases must extend beyond hospitals and focus on early detection, correct medical advice and evidence-based healthcare.
Dr. Jitendra Singh made the remarks at the launch of UNBROKEN: My Battle with Cancer and the Will to Lead, a book written by cancer survivor and scientist Dr. Akhilesh Gupta. He linked the book’s message to patients, doctors, scientists, administrators and young professionals, and stressed that determination plus timely medical guidance can convert adversity into learning and public awareness.
Background and earlier position
The issue sits within India’s wider burden of non-communicable diseases. The Minister referred to rising cancer, diabetes, obesity, fatty liver disease and other metabolic disorders, and noted that younger populations are increasingly affected. He also warned that misinformation and pseudoscientific claims about nutrition and disease management can delay treatment and reduce trust in qualified healthcare professionals.
The speech also connects to existing government emphasis on preventive healthcare, digital and genomic tools, and expanded access through public health programmes such as Ayushman Bharat and the Genome India Programme. The broader policy direction is to combine public health, biomedical research and affordability rather than treat disease only after advanced symptoms appear.
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