VHAI and LalPath Lab Foundation in close collaboration with National Health Mission, Government of Uttar Pradesh launched Project “Arogya- A Community Based Intervention on Prevention and Control of NCDs in Uttar Pradesh” on 10 February, 2020 in Lucknow.
Hon’ble Minister of Medical Health and Family Welfare, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Jai Pratap Singh, graced the occasion by his presence. Other esteemed members present were Dr Amarendra Bahadur Singh, General Manager, NHM; Dr. Om Manchanda, Chief Executive Officer, Lal Pathlabs Foundation; Ms. Bhavna B Mukhopadhyay, Chief Executive, VHAI; Dr P. C. Bhatnagar, Senior Director, VHAI; along with other guests and invitees including senior officials from NCD Department of NHM Uttar Pradesh, senior officials from the Office of CMO, Lucknow, senior staff members from Lal Pathlab Foundation and Lal Pathlab Ltd, senior members from renowned NGOs including UPVHA, Mamta, HCL, Nayi Rahein, Vinoba Sewa Ashram, Be Able, Balaji Gramodyog, FPAI, Hope and Hindustan Latex, doctors from King George Medical University working on NCDs, Pradhan and Parshad from various wards and blocks of Lucknow, senior officials from Municipal Corporation (Tobacco Vender Regulation Division), Medical Officers from various PHC, CHC, District Hospital, community frontline workers such as ASHAs, ANMs, Anganwadi Worker, etc and print and electronic media houses.
AROGYA aims to create awareness on Non-communicable diseases which have now become the leading cause of deaths in India. It envisages empowering the population to take promotive & preventive steps for risk factors associated with NCDs. It also facilitates screening and testing of high-risk population so that they can be referred to the local government health facilities for early diagnosis and care. AROGYA will utilize existing platforms like schools, village health nutrition and sanitation committee, local self-help groups and others to develop mass awareness on NCDs.
The findings of the baseline survey conducted in District Lucknow were shared during the event along with the release of a wide range of communication material to facilitate the project. The event was extensively covered by various print and electronic media in Hindi and English. .