“Government is commited to induct modern technology, and the healthcare for the defense forces”
I am immensely delighted to be in the midst of this august gathering of Cardiologists, who have assembled here for the Convocation.
Friends, it is a matter of immense pride to be in the vicinity of Cardiologists who work really hard to keep the Cardiovascular health of our country in good shape. I am very pleased to know that, since its inception on 11th January 1948, by Bharat Ratna, Dr. BC Roy, the Legendary Cardiologist of India, and the Former Chief Minister of the State of West Bengal, the Cardiological Society of India or CSI has come a very long way. The main goal of this society is to work towards the prevention and eradication of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and bring down mortality rate related to cardiovascular diseases. The motto is to create awareness among the
people about the causes and impacts of cardiovascular diseases. CSI needs to be commended for its work related to elevating the level of awareness among the general public about the correlation between cardiovascular diseases and our environment along with individual’s lifestyle. The current focus is towards quality Research and subsequent novel pathways toward the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
Cardiovascular diseases remain a significant global public health issue and is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. In 2017, it accounted for 31.8% of all deaths in the world. CVDs are a significant worldwide health concern, impacting a large number of individuals each year, and placing a considerable strain on our healthcare systems. India is facing a rising burden of cardiovascular diseases with an estimated 30 million patients suffering from coronary artery disease. Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of mortality in India. Notably, the onset of CVDs in the Indian population occurs nearly a decade earlier than in Western populations.
There exists an uneven distribution of CVDs across urban and rural areas, with urban areas exhibiting higher rates of prevalence. The occurrence of hypertension in CVD cases is higher in urban India than in rural India. The prevalence of cardiovascular illnesses in India shows continuous growth over time due to various reasons like urbanization, sedentary lifestyle, dietary modifications, and the ageing demography of our country.
The burden of chronic conditions of Cardio Vascular Diseases is on the rise in India, necessitating long-term support from healthcare services. Healthcare in India is primarily financed through out-of-pocket payments by households. India faces the dual challenge to ensure financial sustainability and granting universal access to basic health services as it moves closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The Indian government has recognized the conflict between the above-mentioned objectives and has launched a number of programs to lower the cost of cardiac care and increase accessibility for everyone.
Healthcare costs impose a significant economic strain globally, especially for low and middle-income countries. This highlights the critical need for a robust preventive cardiology framework. Early detection, lifestyle modifications, and widespread awareness programs are essential to reduce the burden of CVD, particularly among younger individuals who are increasingly at risk. The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Cardiovascular Disease Management and Research is also gaining prominence.
AI-powered tools can enhance risk prediction, personalize treatment approaches, and optimize clinical decision-making. Additionally, AI has the potential to extend the reach of preventive cardiology to larger segments of the population by enabling efficient screening, early identification of high-risk individuals, and customized preventive strategies.
The elderly population is particularly susceptible to CVD and faces unique challenges in accessing timely and comprehensive care. It is crucial to implement tailored healthcare strategies for the elderly, including provisions under healthcare schemes to address their specific needs.
India has a significant shortage of cardiologists, with a ratio of 1 cardiologist per 100,000 population. Many Indians, especially in rural areas, lack access to quality healthcare, including cardiology services. There is a growing demand for interventional cardiology procedures, such as angioplasty and stenting.
There should be a greater emphasis on preventive cardiology, including lifestyle modifications and risk factor management. Expansion of Tele-cardiology services should be facilitated, enabling remote consultations and monitoring of patients.
Regenerative Medicine including the use of stem cells and tissue engineering, will become more prominent in cardiology.New treatments for heart failure, including gene therapy and cell-based therapies, will be developed and implemented.
Global health initiatives, including efforts to reduce cardiovascular disease disparities and improve access to cardiology services, will become more prominent.
The present and future of cardiology in India and abroad are marked by significant advances in technology, treatment, and patient care. However, there are also challenges to be addressed, including disparities in access to care and the need for increased focus on preventive cardiology.
As you would be very well aware that our country has a very strange double distinction of not only being the Diabetes Capital of the World but also the Chronic Heart Disease Capital of the World as well. This becomes more challenging for us with a staggering population of over 142 Crores and majority of them being in the lower strata of the society.
After coming to power, under the inspiring leadership of our PM Shri Narendra Modi, the government has been very keenly focussing right since 2014 on eradicating not only these twin diseases, and the others that are causing huge threat to the society, but also working continuously to prevent the population from falling into their ambit. Hence, as part of the very strong set of steps in this direction, and in pursuit of creating a very strong and healthy Indian population for the future, the Union Government has been rolling out various public health and family welfare schemes, from time to time, namely-
Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan-aushadhi Pariyojana.
National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP).
National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke (NPCDCS)
While the government is always committed to doing its best, with a view of making India a healthy nation spanning across generations. The learned gathering here would appreciate that the same cannot be seen as a unilateral action plan of the government alone, which is where the contributions of the Medical Experts, and the Medical Societies like the Cardiological Society of India, comes into the picture, both in terms of advisory inputs for right plan of action, and for drafting important policy level programs for the public welfare. The government aims and is committed to accommodating the points that the society shares with us, in pursuit of drafting and implementing health related policies suitably.
While the health care programs for civilians are being taken up by both union and state government and reviewed periodically, the general population is still safe, except for the diseases part of it, warranting monitoring and care, from time to time.
As the Raksha Mantri of this country, I want to share with you the health related aspects of our defence forces. One of the most vulnerable and challenging part is to keep the entire Defence Force disease-free, as they are vulnerable owing to being on the battleground and facing war injuries along with peace time operational injuries. This is because the personnel in the armed forces work 24 x 7 x 365 days, in very volatile scenarios; under extremely difficult climatic conditions. Also the man-made threats from our neighbours in the region, ensure that we have to be always on guard. Hence, keeping the entire defence force healthy is an imperative pre-requisite of the government. Our government is seriously in pursuit of ensuring that, right from the field level formation personnel to the top level personnel associated with the Defence Forces needs to be hale and hearty. Under any given circumstance, so that they can take very good care of the nation even at the cost of their own lives.
The government of India has earmarked Rs.6.2 Lakh Crores in the Union Budget of 2024-25 as the Defence Budget, which is being used for the overall upkeep of the forces encompassing the upgradation of capacity building, induction of modern technology, and the healthcare of the defense forces. The primal area of concern is the health of our forces which need to be reviewed from time-to-time; in which Cardiovascular and Diabetes are seen as major contributors.
As mentioned earlier, it is at this critical juncture that the pivotal inputs from the Cardiological Society of India would be a game changer for us. I am very happy to note that, with a very strong membership of over 5000 Cardiologists from India, and overseas, the Cardiological Society of India is a big force in keeping an eye on the happenings in the Cardiovascular scene and helping create solution for them from time to time.
I am very happy to know that in today’s Convocation, a new set of Cardiologists, who have qualified the Essential Criteria laid down by the Cardiological Society of India, are ready to be inducted as ‘ Fellows of the Cardiological Society of India.’ The conferring of this Fellowship would make them more committed to the betterment of the Cardiovascular scenario in the country. I’m also very pleased to know that there are Cardiologists from the Army Medical Corps who are being given the Fellowship of the Cardiological Society of India, from time to time.
Today marks a significant milestone in your journey as Cardiologists. As you stand on the threshold of this new chapter, I want to congratulate you on your hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
Your journey as cardiologists has been long and challenging. You have spent countless hours studying, training, and honing your skills. You have faced complex cases, difficult decisions, and high-stakes situations. But through it all, you have demonstrated a commitment to excellence, a passion for learning, and a compassion for your patients.
As you move forward in your careers, I want to remind you of the importance of staying true to your values and principles of patient care to make a difference in people’s lives, to alleviate suffering, and to save lives and influence the quality of life of patients and their families.
You have the opportunity to advance the field of cardiology. But with great power comes great responsibility. Remember to always put your patients first, to listen to their concerns, to empathize with their struggles, and to provide them with compassionate and evidence-based care.
As you embark on this new chapter, I want to would advise you to never stop learning process. The field of cardiology is constantly evolving, and it’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest advances and breakthroughs. Always prioritize your patients’ needs. Remember that your patients are not just medical cases with treatment plans rather they are human beings with hopes, fears, and dreams.
Teamwork, collaboration, and communication in cardiology is very important. Stay committed to your patients, to their profession, and to yourself. Take care of your personal health to achieve a good work life balance. The demands of being a cardiologist can be intense, and it is essential to prioritize your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Only then will you be able to put in your best as the patient deserves the best.
My congratulations to all of you once again on earning your Fellowship in Cardiology. I am confident that you will go on to make a meaningful difference in the lives of your patients, and to advance the field of cardiology.
I wish to convey my heartiest congratulations to the new Fellows, and most importantly commend the efforts of the Cardiological Society of India for its yeoman service to our nation. My special commendation for Dr. Aditya Kapoor, Organizing Chairman and
Dr. Satyendra Tewari, Organizing Secretary, along with the entire Organizing Committee, which has worked very hard to make CSICON 2024 happen for the first time at Lucknow.
Thank you very much. Jai Hind.