In a bid to stem the rising tide of lifestyle-related diseases and illnesses, the Swastha Mysuru initiative was launched in the city by HH Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar Foundation and Arogya World India Trust, on December 5.
The Government of Karnataka has signed an MoU with the Foundation for a campaign to create greater awareness on the emerging lifestyle-related diseases, promote preventive care through early screening, and encourage healthy habits.
Dinesh Gundu Rao, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, said the initiative draws strength from a similar programme successfully implemented in Bengaluru, where public response and community impact had been encouraging.
“Seeing its progress, I felt we must also do it in Mysuru, which is the yoga capital of the world. People here are already health-conscious,’’ he added.
The Minister said Mysuru has an ecosystem for public-private partnerships, through which real transformation is possible. The government alone cannot do everything. When private and public efforts come together, the impact is more, he added.
Mr. Rao stated that for any country to develop, its human resources must be healthy and educated so that they can live up to their full potential. He described health and education of people as fundamental to a nation’s progress.
He cautioned that rapid economic growth has paradoxically worsened lifestyle diseases and pointed out that in India, the southern part of the country has higher incidents of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and leads in diabetes, blood pressure, and stress-related issues, all of which contribute to kidney failure and related conditions. He also expressed concern that children are getting exposed early to unfiltered digital content and are beset with issues they cannot handle.
The Minister highlighted the State’s ongoing Gruha Arogya programme, under which over one crore people have been screened for diabetes, hypertension, cancers, and 14 other parameters.
Early detection and free medicines, he said, are helping prevent disease progression. “But prevention is more important than treatment. That is why Swastha Mysuru is crucial and must succeed,” he said, assuring full government support to the initiative.
Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, chairperson of HH Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar Foundation, said the Mysuru campaign builds on the success of ‘Healthy Bengaluru’ and aims to raise awareness about NCDs with community participation.
Nalini Saligram, founder of Arogya World India Trust, warned that nearly 80% of people face diabetes or heart-related risks, while cancer incidences are rising quickly. “If we do not act now, NCDs will lead to a major public health crisis,” she said.
Fifteen companies, hospitals, and civil society organisations have joined hands to promote healthier habits over the next two years.
The campaign will expand screening of NCDs, encourage physical activity, promote healthy eating, strengthen mental health awareness and enhance adolescent health programmes.
G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, Deputy Commissioner, and others were present.
Published – December 05, 2025 06:00 pm IST
