Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the occasion of his 75th birthday to sharpen the government’s focus on public health, unveiling a set of initiatives that address some of India’s most pressing challenges: obesity, maternal and child health, and mental wellness.
Lifestyle Diseases in Focus
Modi has repeatedly sounded the alarm on rising lifestyle-related illnesses. In his radio program Mann Ki Baat, he urged households to cut edible oil consumption by 10 percent and adopt healthier diets. His messaging dovetails with India’s growing crisis of obesity and non-communicable diseases, which experts say threaten to overwhelm healthcare systems.
Women and Children at the Center
The Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan, launched alongside the 8th Poshan Maah, seeks to improve maternal health services, screen women and children for anemia, and expand early detection of chronic diseases. Officials say the campaign is designed to strengthen families by prioritizing women’s health, long overlooked in national policy.
Tuberculosis and the 2025 Goal
The Prime Minister also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to eliminate tuberculosis by 2025 through the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. The program relies on expanded diagnostic capacity, community health networks, and nutritional support for patients. Public health experts note that while ambitious, the target is considerably ahead of the global WHO deadline.
Mental Health Moves Into the Mainstream
Perhaps most notable is Modi’s growing emphasis on mental health. Through his Pariksha Pe Charcha interactions with students, he has pressed for a more holistic understanding of wellness that includes stress management, yoga, and seasonal, locally sourced diets such as millets. It is a message aimed squarely at India’s young population, where rising stress and anxiety mirror global trends.
