President Murmu expresses concern over depression obesity asks doctors to create awareness

    Bhubaneswar, Jul 14 (PTI) President Droupadi Murmu on Monday said depression and obesity were becoming a matter of concern.
    Addressing the 5th convocation of AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, Murmu said that apart from medicine, awareness is also necessary to treat depression.
    "A lifestyle change can provide mental peace. Yoga and pranayama could be helpful in mental health," she said, urging doctors to make people aware of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
    Murmu said obesity, a lifestyle disease, is also a matter of concern.
    "One can get rid of this disease through a disciplined routine, improvement in eating habits and regular exercise," she said.
    The president advised doctors to focus on solving local problems, stating that two diseases are prominent in the tribal society -- one is Japanese Encephalitis and the other is Sickle Cell Anaemia.
    "The government has taken many steps in this direction. Doctors should do as much research as possible for the treatment of these diseases," she said.
    Noting that AIIMS-Bhubaneswar has grown significantly over the last 12 years, Murmu said, be it patient care, medical research or social welfare activities, it has earned many accolades and won the hearts of the people of Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.
    She expressed confidence that India will become a leading healthcare destination in the world, thanks to the success of AIIMS.
    Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati said the establishment of AIIMS across the country was a visionary step towards building an equitable and accessible healthcare system.
    "AIIMS-Bhubaneswar has risen to national prominence and is second in ranking after AIIMS-New Delhi," he said.
    Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said his government remains committed to supporting institutions like AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, promoting research, and ensuring quality medical services reach every corner of the state.
    Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said, "Good health is the foundation of human progress and prosperity, and there's no shortcut to that. Today, in the era of disruptive technology, changing geo-politics and new aspirations, health is one of the key sectors of our society."
    President Murmu lauded the graduating students for choosing the profession.
    She gave 59 gold medals to 31 students, and conferred degrees on 643 students, including 196 MBBS graduates.
    The president arrived in Bhubaneswar in the afternoon on a two-day visit to the state. The governor, chief minister, and Pradhan received her at the airport.
    She will attend the convocation of Ravenshaw University in Cuttack on Tuesday.
    She will also lay the foundation stone for the redevelopment of three buildings of Ravenshaw Girls' High School.
    She is also scheduled to attend the birth anniversary celebration of Adikabi Sarala Das and present the Kalinga Ratna Award 2024.
    Security has been strengthened in the city with over 2,000 police personnel deployed for the president's visit.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)