One of the largest International conferences on Heart Rhythm disorders in the World Held at New Delhi

One of the largest International conferences on Heart Rhythm disorders in the World – the 7th APHRS Scientific Session comes to India

Over 1500 physicians and cardiologists attend the four-day conference organized jointly by the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) and Indian Heart Rhythm Society (IHRS)

New Delhi, October 31st, 2014: The APHRS Scientific Session, one of the largest gatherings of Cardiac Electrophysiologists in the world is being held in the capital city of India for the first time ever. The four-day conference-taking place from Oct 29th – Nov 1st simultaneously at Hotel Taj Palace and ITC Maurya, is the largest medical conference ever organized in the country in terms of the International faculty participation from different continents such as the Asia Pacific, USA and Europe.

The 7th APHRS Scientific Session is a global conclave aimed at upholding excellence and advancement in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with heart rhythm disorders. The highlight of this year’s conference are the 200 scientific sessions being conducted by 250 core leading National and International faculty on topics such as ECGs, Sudden Cardiac Death, Atrial Fibrillation, Heart Failure and Arrhythmia. A special focus is also being given to technological development in the field of heart rhythm disorders. New technologies like Leadless Pacemakers and Subcutaneous ICD’s are being showcased during the scientific sessions and special training sessions for young cardiologists, nurses and technicians are being organized.

Speaking at the conference, Dr Mohan Nair, Chairman Organizing Committee, 7th Asia APHRS Scientific Session and Chairman Cardiology, Saket City Hospital said, “It is indeed a proud moment to have an International conference of such stature and scale being organized in India. With the increasing incidence of heart rhythm disorders in the country, it is extremely important that we make full use of the advancements in technology in the fields of arrhythmia and electro cardiology and educate the community about new and innovative treatment options available globally. The 7th APHRS Scientific Session provides platform to physicians, researchers and other partakers to come together and contribute in enhancing international academic exchange and development. I thank all our partners and look forward to many such opportunities in the future”.

Adding to this, Dr Young-Hoon Kim, President APHRS said, “Started in 2008, APHRS takes place every year in different countries of the Asia Pacific Region. The goal behind scheduling these conferences in different countries is to provide an exchange of information related to not only arrhythmia and electro cardiology but also to put forward an apt platform for the exposure to the local culture which is rewardingly educational and deeply enriching. I am thrilled to be in India for the conference and amongst some of the leading global experts in the field”.

In the past APHRS has been organized in countries such as Hong Kong, Singapore, China, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. Next year’s conference will take place in Melbourne, Australia during the month of November 2015.

Giving a global perspective, Dr Richard Fogel, President, Heart Rhythm Society said, “I am extremely happy to be here in India today for the 7th APHRS Scientific Session. The treatment of arrhythmic disorders differs not just within different North American countries but also globally, making a platform such as this extremely beneficial and important. Technological advancement has now revolutionized treatment of heart rhythm disorders. For instance putting a three lead pacemaker is now an established non-drug therapy for end stage heart failure”.

Commenting on the medical advancements in the treatment of heart rhythm disorders, Dr Kalyanam Shiv Kumar, Director, Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and Professor, Department of Medicine Radiology, UCLA USA, said, “It is now possible to catheter ablate most of the cardiac irregular heart rhythms safely and effectively. With the help of ultra-modern technologies a majority of heart attacks due to heart rhythm disorders can be avoided”.

Adding to this, Dr Jonathan Kalman, Professor at The Royal Melbourne Hospital in Melbourne, said, “Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained heart rhythm disturbance and a major cause of stroke and death. Over recent decades, the incidence of AF has increased dramatically, positioning AF as one of the epidemics of the new millennium. Conferences like the APHRS Scientific Session like are extremely important platforms to discuss advancements in the field and provide adequate training to heart rhythm physicians to address this modern epidemic”

A public awareness program on sudden cardiac arrest was also launched at the venue.  To know more please visit www.aphrsindia.com

SAIL Heart & Health Pavillion in Perfect Health Mela 2014 - a Boon for heart patients

The 21st  MTNL Perfect Health Mela  was held in Delhi from the 15th-19th October at Talkatora Indoor Stadium New Delhi. This year, the Mela activities were focused on the theme “Swach Bharat, Swasth Bharat”. The main philosophy behind this focus emphasized that by improving the cleanliness of the country, several leading diseases such as dengue, typhoid, malaria and cholera can be eliminated. 

The Perfect Health Mela was jointly organized by the Heart Care Foundation of India, SAIL, MTNL, NDMC and the Delhi Govt. 

For the first time ever , the SAIL Heart & Health Pavilion and MTNL provided free telemedicine facilities for heart patients . A medical team from Medanta Medicity, which is  a leading multi specialty hospital in Gurgaon, provided free  cardiology consultations from their hospital.

The SAIL Heart & Health Pavillion was the pick for the mela visitors. In this pavilion, patients availed free general consultations by allopathic ,  ayurvedic, homeopathic, unani and naturopathic doctors, spiritual healing by Sahaj Yoga practitioners, healing using unconventional medical techniques (vacuum therapy, reikhy, pranic healing and massage), eye checkups, dental checkups, orthopedic checkups, free blood tests(Hb,blood sugar, lipid profile, kidney profile, liver profile) , free blood pressure checkups , ECGs and 3D ECHOs.

More than 5000 people availed of these facilities. Of these, a record 1355 people availed free 3 D ECHO’s, 2462 free ECG’s and 1500 blood tests. All patients were checked for their BP and BMI as well. In this pavilion, 6000 people comprising of all sections of society were trained personally  on dummy manikins on the ‘Hands Only CPR 10 technique’, which is used for saving a life from sudden cardiac death.

The dignitaries who visited the SAIL Heart & Health Pavilion included Shri Mukul Rohatgi Attorney General of India, Shri Satish Upadhyay President BJP Delhi Pradesh, Dr Naresh Trehan CMD Medanta Medicity, Dr O P Yadava CMD National Heart Institute, Sh P K Purwar CMD MTNL and other top dignitaries. 

India to host the 7th APHRS Scientific Session for the first time ever; one of the world’s largest gatherings of Cardiac Electrophysiologists

To be organized jointly by the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS) and Indian Heart Rhythm Society (IHRS) in New Delhi from October 29th to November 1st 2014

New Delhi, October 27th, 2014: The APHRS Scientific Session, one of the world’s largest gatherings of Cardiac Electrophysiologists will be held in India for the first time ever this month. In it’s seventh edition, the annual conference organized by the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society will take place in conjunction with the Indian Heart Rhythm Society simultaneously in Hotel Taj Palace and Maurya in New Delhi from 29th October to 1st November, 2014.  

The primary objective of the conference is to provide a platform to physicians, researchers and other partakers involved in the fields of arrhythmia and electro cardiology from across the world to come together and contribute in enhancing international academic exchange and development in this field under one roof. The highlight of this year’s conference will be the 200 scientific sessions being conducted by 250 core leading National and International faculty on topics such as ECGs, Sudden Cardiac Death, Atrial Fibiliration, Heart Failure, latest technological advancements in Cardiology amongst others

Speaking on the upcoming conference, Dr Mohan Nair, Chairman Organizing Committee, 7th Asia APHRS Scientific Session and Chairman Cardiology, Saket City Hospital said, “I am delighted to announce that the 7th APHRS Scientific Session, one of the most prestigious and largest gatherings of Cardiac Electrophysiologists in the world is going to take place in the National Capital this year.  A global conclave aimed at upholding excellence and advancement in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with heart rhythm disorders, the APHRS Scientific Session 2014 will be attended by nearly 1500 leading physicians, cardiologists and medical students this year. I thank all our partners and look forward to getting more such opportunities to India in the future.”

Adding to this, Dr Young-Hoon Kim, President APHRS said, “Started in 2008, APHRS takes place every year in different countries of the Asia Pacific Region. The reason behind scheduling these conferences in different countries is to provide an exchange of information related to not only arrhythmia and electro cardiology but also to put forward an apt platform for the exposure to the local culture which is rewardingly educational and deeply enriching. I am extremely excited about attending this conference in India amongst some of the leading global experts in the field”.

In the past APHRS has been organized in countries such as Hong Kong, Singapore, China, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. Next year’s conference will take place in Melbourne, Australia during the month of November 2015. 

A FEW CONFIRMED FACULTY

•    Dr KK Talwar - Chairman, Board of Governors, Medical Council of India
•    Dr T. S. Kler - Executive Director Cardiac Sciences and Electrophysiology at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute
•    Dr  KK Sethi - Chairman & MD, Delhi Heart and Lung Institute
•    Dr M Khalilullah – Founder, Heart Centre, New Delhi
•    Dr John Camm - Honorary consultant Cardiologist, St George’s Healthcare Trust, U.K
•    Dr Andrea Natale - Executive Medical Director, Texas Cardiac Arrhythmia Institute at St. David’s Medical Center USA
•    Dr Kalyanam Shivkumar - Director, Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, UCLA Medical Plaza, USA
•    Shih Ann Chen - Professor of Medicine, National Yang Ming School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
•    Dr Karl H Kuck – Chief of Staff Cardiology Asklepios Hospital St. Georg, Germany
•    Dr Sanjeev Saksena- Clinical Professor, Medicine at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine, USA
•    Dr Richard Fogel - President of the Heart Rhythm Society (HRS)
•    Dr David Hayes – Prof of Medicine (Cardiac) USA
•    Dr Angelo Auricchio, President-elect of the European Heart Rhythm Association
•    Dr Jonathan Kalman – head of electrophysiology and arrhythmia department, Royal Melbourne Hospital

UNIC becomes supporter of Perfect Health Mela

New Delhi India:  UNIC New Delhi joined NGO Heart Care Foundation of India in presenting a five-day Perfect Health Mela organized 15 -19 October at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. Renowned dignitaries such as India's Attorney General  Mukul Rohatgi, President of the Delhi Unit of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party Satish Upadhayay and New Delhi Municipal Corporation Chairman Jalaj Srivastava, joined UNIC Director Kiran Mehra- Kerpelman in inaugurating the health advocacy fair.

Started in 1993, the Perfect Health Mela is a mass health awareness module, which caters to people from all age groups and walks of life. Its primary activities include health check-up camps, entertainment programmes, lifestyle exhibitions, workshops and inter college and school competitions.  This year's Mela was organized in joint collaboration with the New Delhi Municipal Corporation and the UN Information Centre for India and Bhutan, along with  several other corporate and government partners.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the President of Heart Care Foundation of India, Dr. K.K. Aggarwal said: "We at Heart Care Foundation of India are extremely delighted to organize the Perfect Health Mela that promotes the concept of "Swach Bharat, Swasth Bharat" (Clean India; Healthy India!)  By simply observing hygiene in water and environment, up to 50% of the diseases can be prevented!"

In her address, UNIC Director Kiran Mehra-Kerpelman called attention to the UN's Global Handwashing Day being observed that very day. She said: "We have to realize how the small steps which we take make a much larger difference than we can ever see or know. For example, washing your hands today could prevent you from getting a disease that might cost you or your parents a huge amount of money to treat - if you saved that money, you could use it to give yourself a better education, to get a better job, to build a better life for yourself and your family in the future. It is in our minds, our actions and our lives that we must create a change."

Later UNIC Director joined all the dignitaries in participating in a CPR practice session. She was also given the National Excellence Award 2014 by the Heart Care Foundation of India and its partners.

Dr KK Aggarwal nominates nine renowned doctors to join the Swachch Bharat Campaign

The team of nine leading doctors in the city led by Delhi BPJ President, Mr Satish Upadhyay and Heart Care Foundation of India’s President Dr KK Aggarwal together pledged– “Hum Shapath lete hain ki hum Bharat to Swachh or Samridh Banayenge”. In addition to this they also took brooms in their hands and participated in a symbolic cleanliness drive at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium.

The tem of nine medical icons nominated by Dr KK Aggarwal included Dr Naresh Trehan – CMD Medanta The Medicity; Dr Anupam Sibbal –Group Medical Director, Apollo Hospital; Dr Naveen Dang – Director Dr Dangs Path Lab; Dr D K Dewan – Director Dept of family welfare, Delhi Government ; Dr P K Sharma – MOH, NDMC; Dr O P Yadava – CMD National Heart Institute; Dr Anil Goyal:  President Delhi Medical Association ; Dr Girish Tyagi – Registrar Delhi Medical Council and Dr Vinay Aggarwal  – Former President IMA.

Commenting on the campaign, Dr Naresh Trehan, CMD of Medanta – The Medcity said that I am privileged to be nominated to be a part of the 9 Medical Navratnas of the Swachch Bharat campaign and I am convinced that by keeping our surroundings clean, we can make India a healthier and disease free nation.

Speaking at the valedictory ceremony, Padma Shri Awardee, Sr. National VP and Secretary General Elect – IMA and President – Heart Care Foundation of India, Dr KK Aggarwal said,“ Improper sanitation, unhygienic habits, un kept surroundings, improper disposal of waste and open defecation all drastically increase the prevalence of disease in our country. It has been Heart Care Foundation of India’s constant endeavor over the past 21 years through the Perfect Health Mela to raise awareness about preventive health and this year we decided to add cleanliness to it given their indispensible relationship. I would like to thank all the doctors present here today, participants, sponsors and supporters for the wholehearted efforts and contribution in making Mela a success”

Started in 1991, Perfect Health Mela is a mass health awareness module, which attracts over 2-3 lakh people each year. In its 21st edition, the Mela was organized in association the MTNL. SAIL, NDMC, MCD, UN Information Center for Bhutan and Nepal and DST and the theme was “Swach Baharat, Swasth Bharat”. The main philosophy behind this theme being that by improving the cleanliness of the country several leading diseases such as dengue, typhoid, malaria, Jaundice and cholera can be eliminated.

Some of the key one of its kind features of this year’s event included a live telemedicine facility set up by Medanta – the Medicity, the SAIL Heart and Health Pavilion and subsidized heart surgeries provided by the Sameer Malik Heart Care Foundation Fund.

Commenting on his nomination, the Group Medical Director of Apollo Hospitals, Dr Anupam Sibbal, added, “A country can only truly progress if its citizens are healthy and environment is clean. I thank Dr KK Aggarwal for nominating me and hope I can help carry forward this message. I congratulate him and his team at Heart Care Foundation of India for their constant efforts towards raising health awareness and providing effective health solutions for the marginalized sections of the society.”

Over 1000 people attended the valedictory function of the 21st MTNL Perfect Health Mela & SAIL Health Pavilion.

The lighter and other side of Medicine- at the 21st MTNL Perfect Health Mela

Youth Festival to Propagate Preventive Health and Hygiene Measures

Heart Care Foundation of India, a leading national non-profit organization is committed to making India a healthier and disease free nation. 

On the 4th day of its annual flagship event-The 21^st MTNL Perfect Health Mela organized Medico Masti festival an inter college youth fiesta at the Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi. Thousands of students of across 50 colleges, medical and non-medical from Delhi NCR participated in the event.

On the spot competitions like fashion show, choreography, rock band, etc were organized as part of the festival. Other competitions included western and classical dancing, quiz contest, singing competition, etc. Infotainment is a new concept of creating health education and in this module education is interlinked with entertainment. 

Addressing the event , Padma Shri, DST National Science and Communication and Dr. BC Roy National Awardee and the President of the Heart Care Foundation of India, Dr. KK Aggarwal said “That to prevent the increase  of heart diseases in the nation, the prevention must start in college life. He said that college students should follow the principles of formula of 80 which is as under: To live more than  80 years without life style diseases keep your Abdominal Circumference, Lower Blood Pressure,  LDL (bad) Cholesterol, Pulse Rate and Fasting Sugar all lower than 80.Anyone who gains weight of more than 5 kg after the age of 18 in girls and 20 in boys is obese and overweight. Any weight gain at this age should be avoided.”

Dr. Smita Mishra Sr. Cardiologist Fortis Hospital and Dr. O.P Yadava C.E.O. National Heart Institute added, “The youth must learn to say no to drugs, alcohol and tobacco. They also must abstain themselves from casual sex, especially if it is unprotected.”

The Mela had facilities like 3D echo cardiograph, ECG and other basic consultation will be provided. Those people can afford treatment will be guided and people who cannot afford treatment will get a subsidiary or free heart surgery. Keeping in mind the healthcare needs of the poor and needy, special free of diagnostic facilities and cardiac interventions will be provided by National Heart Institute for rheumatic heart disease and Medanta –Medicity will focus on congenital heart disease and also MTNL had set up live video conferencing unit at the mela with Medanta-Medicity.

The Perfect Health Mela is an annual mass health awareness module started in 1993, catering to people from all age groups and walks of life; the Mela incorporates activities across categories such as health check up camps, entertainment programs, lifestyle exhibitions, workshops and competitions. This year’s Mela will feature a first of its kind SAIL Heart and Health Pavilion to provide a complete solution to a person’s overall healthcare needs. People will now not only be able to learn about preventive health measures through interactive entertainment modules but will also be able to seek treatment and consultation under one roof. This year’s Mela was organized in association with NDMC, MCD, SAIL and MTNL and its theme is “Swach Baharat, Swasth Bharat”. The main philosophy behind this theme is that by improving the cleanliness of the country, several leading diseases such as dengue, typhoid, malaria, cholera can be prevented.

Power Packed Performances by Nurses and Children with Special Needs at the- 21 MTNL Perfect Health Mela

Exciting activities such as debate, painting, skit, diya making and dance were the special attraction.

Heart Care Foundation of India, a leading national non-profit organization committed to making India a healthier and disease free nation organized  on its 3^rd day of the  annual flagship event, The 21^st MTNL Perfect Health Mela ,Divya Jyoti  an Inter college Nursing  competition .It was held at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium, New Delhi. The main philosophy behind the program was to create health awareness amongst the nurses during their long hours of duty and stress. 

Research points out that there are multiple pressures associated with the profession which is leading to increase of stress levels amongst nurses. This is due to various reasons like long working hours which lead to insomnia, insufficient resource, interpersonal conflicts and poor reward systems. 

Heart Care Foundation of India organized inter college nursing competitions where more than 2000 nurses participated. The various activities that took place in the mela were  Debate, Painting, skit and dance.

Anmol, a festival for children with special needs was organized the same day at the Perfect Health Mela. Over 200 children with special needs participated in folk dance, yoga, painting, singing and diya decoration competitions.

 Addressing the Event Padma Shri, DST National Science and Communication and Dr. BC Roy National Awardee and the President of the Heart Care Foundation of India, Dr. KK Aggarwal said “Nurses form the backbone of society and are an integral part of the medical profession. They help the medical fraternity to communicate better with patients. Nurses should not follow doctors blindly. If they feel that a doctor has given a piece of wrong advice, they should immediately intervene and suggest the doctor to review and revise his decision”.

Dr.Ravi Kasliwal Sr. Cardiologist Medanta Medicity and Mr. Yogesh Shukla Sr. BJP leader in a joint statement added  “Classical dancing is a good form of exercise compared to western dance. Any form of classical dance is not only a mode of exercise but a way to meditate.”

The star attraction of the day was the Shopping Centre created by Department of Handloom & Handicrafts where 60 stalls. The Mela is providing free blood test, 3D echocardiography and consultation to all people visiting.

The Perfect Health Mela is an annual mass health awareness module started in 1993, catering to people from all age groups and walks of life; the Mela incorporates activities across categories such as health check up camps, entertainment programs, lifestyle exhibitions, workshops and competitions. This year’s Mela will feature a first of its kind SAIL Heart and Health Pavilion to provide a complete solution to  overall healthcare needs. People will now not only be able to learn about preventive health measures through interactive entertainment modules but will also be able to seek treatment and consultation under one roof. This year’s Mela is being organized in association with NDMC, MCD, SAIL and MTNL and its theme is “Swach Baharat, Swasth Bharat”. The main philosophy behind this theme is that by improving the cleanliness of the country, several leading diseases such as dengue, typhoid, malaria, cholera can be prevented.

Day two of Heart Care Foundation of India’s annual flagship event, Perfect Health Mela celebrates the importance of Swachch Bharat, Swasth Bharat

 Key events included the cultural and eco festival which were attended by over 3000 school students

New Delhi, 16th October 2014 –The microcosm and macrocosm have sayings from the Upanishads, environment affects the body and the collective consciousness of the people affects the environment. Heart Care Foundation of India, a leading National non-profit organization committed to making India a healthier and disease free nation inaugurated the eco and cultural fest- a series of inter school competitions aimed at educating children about the importance of keeping the environment clean to reduce the occurrence of diseases on the 2nd day of its annual flagship event-The 21st MTNL Perfect Health Mela being held from Oct 15 – 19, 2014 at the Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi. The Inauguration was done by renowned sitar Player Prateek Choudhury.

More than 3000 students participated in various competitions started by Dept. of Environment Govt. Of India and was coordinated by Birla Vidya Niketan.  The competitions included Classical Music and dance, Eco model display and Nukkad Natak


The Hands only CPR 10 formula taught was – To revive someone after a sudden cardiac death, within 10 minutes of the cardiac arrest (earlier the better) for 'at least' 10 minutes (longer the better) compress the center of the chest of the victim, continuously and effectively, with a speed of at least 10 x 10 (i.e.100) per minute.

Addressing the event Padma Shri, DST National Science and Communication and Dr. BC Roy National Awardee and the President of the Heart Care Foundation of India, Dr. KK Aggarwal said “Heart Care Foundation of India is committed towards raising health awareness and making the country a disease free nation. Over the years the number of dengue, typhoid and malaria cases being reported in the country has increased. One of the primary reasons for this being improper disposal of waste, open defecation, unhygienic habits and the inability of the citizens to keep their environment clean. It is extremely important to educate students from the very start about the importance of health, hygiene and sanitation to help prevent disease occurrence in the future. It is indeed a pleasure to see so many young students coming together and helping raise awareness about this issue”.

Adding to this, Dr. Mohan Nair and Dr. T. S Kler Sr. Cardiologist ins a joint said “Health education and lifestyle changes should start right from school age. The seeds of heart blockages are burrowed while a person is still in the growing stage. Out of 21 meals, cheating should be allowed in two meals and remaining 19 meals children should be given safe and healthy food with no trans fat, refine carbohydrates and no bad animal fat.”

School children were also see taking a pledge to say no to fire crackers this Diwali to keep the environment clean. To know more about the mela please visit www.perf ecthealthmela.com

All schools students were educated about the importance of health and hygiene and trained on hands only CPR 10 for revival after sudden cardiac arrest.

Mr. Mukul Rohatgi, Mr. Satish Upadhayay and Ms. Meenakshi Lekhi inaugurate Heart Care Foundation of India’s annual flagship event, the MTNL 21st Perfect Health Mela and SAIL Heart and Health Pavilion

Discussing the implications of the consumer protection act on the medical profession

New Delhi, 15^th October 2014 - Heart Care Foundation of India, a leading national non-profit organization committed to making India a healthier and disease free nation, had a gala opening today. The annual five-day flagship event, the 21^st MTNL Perfect Health Mela and SAIL Heart and Health Pavilion from Oct 15 – 19, 2014 at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. Renowned dignitaries such as Mr. Mukul Rohatgi – the Attorney General of India, Mr. Satish Upadhayay – President Delhi BJP and Ms. Meenakshi Lekhi – Member of Parliament inaugurated the event. The key topics discussed during the function included the implications of the consumer protection act on the Indian Medical Profession, the increasing number of medical negligence cases in the country and the issue of patient compensation.

Started in 1993, the Perfect Health Mela is a mass health awareness module, which caters to people of all age groups and walks of life. Its primary activities include health check up camps, entertainment programs, lifestyle exhibitions, workshops and inter college and school competitions.  This year’s Mela is being organized jointly with NDMC and in association with the UN Information Centre for India and Bhutan, MCD, SAIL and MTNL and its theme is “Swach Bharat, Swasth Bharat”. They key features of this year’s Mela include a live telemedicine facility being organized in association with Medanta – the Medicity, heart surgeries for the poor and needy at subsidized rates by the Sameer Malik Heart Care Foundation Fund and a one of its kind SAIL Health Pavilion.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, National Awardee, Sr. National Vice President and Secretary General Elect of the IMA and the President of Heart Care Foundation of India, Dr. KK Aggarwal said, “We at Heart Care Foundation of India are extremely delighted to announce the onset of the MTNL 21^st Perfect Health Mela and to have such renowned panelists amongst us today. Doctors should not be under consumer protection act as otherwise they would be allowed to advertise and commercialize their services. Also, a large number of hospitalizations can be prevented if everyone in the country follows the ‘Sawach Bharat, Swasth Bharat’ mantra in letters and in spirit. By simply observing hygiene in water and environment up to 50% of the diseases can be prevented.  I would like to thank all our supporters and partners for supporting us in this initiative and hope that we can continue making a substantial difference to the Indian healthcare scenario in the future as well”

Congratulating Heart Care Foundation of India on its initiative, Mr. Ravi Shanker Prasad, Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Government of India, in his message said that effective, transparent and timely communication between doctors and patients can prevent over 90% of the medico-legal complaints. Doctors must insure that they do not just communicate verbally but also give a written opinion in the form of a legible prescription to avoid any errors or miscommunication.

Adding to this, Mr. Mukul Rohtagi, Attorney General of India said, “Doctors should not be afraid of being included in the Consumer Protection Act. A doctor is not supposed to possess the highest degree of skill and knowledge but is supposed to possess and practice only an average degree of skill and knowledge. Simple deviation from practice, medical accidents and error of judgment are not negligence”.

Speaking about Medanta’s association with the Perfect Health Mela Dr. Naresh Trehan, Padma Bhushan Awardee, CMD Medanta - The Medicty said, “It is a privileged to be partnering with this noble and humanitarian cause. We at Medanta- The Medicity will be providing medical consultations, live telemedicine services and subsidized congenital heart surgeries for the poor and needy at the 21^st Perfect Health Mela.”

Over 3000 students from across leading schools were seen competing in activities with an underlying healthcare theme in the Harmony Interschool festival. Noted poet and Padma Shri Awardee Mr Ashok Chakradhar opened the inaugural students walk.

Kiran Mehra - Kerpelman, Director, UN Information Centre for India and Bhutan said, "The UN Information Centre for India and Bhutan (UNIC) represents the UN Secretariat and its Director is the spokesperson of the UN Secretary-General. I interpret UNIC in a new way –as UN-India Connect! There is so much happening in India and I really wanted to be part of it all. Seeing the commitment of the UN agencies and its partners -- NGOs, media, academia, think-tanks – to improve the quality of people’s lives and ensure human rights, has been absolutely inspiring. I am so pleased to be able to participate in these inspirational moments.”

Presiding over the function, Mr. Jalaj Srivastava, Chairman NDMC said, “The aim of every citizen of Delhi should be to make Delhi garbage and litter free. Citizens should consider India Gate as their personal farmhouse, the Metro as their personal limousine and the Yamuna River as their personal swimming pool. Only then will they collectively be able to clean the environment.”

Mr. P.K. Purwar CMD, MTNL said that with the help of telemedicine, it is possible to provide timely advice and a consultation to masses and this is a revolutionary development in India.

Adding to this Mr. C.S. Verma CMD SAIL, said “Prevention of diseases is key in today’s faced paced world. We must take out some time for our health, well-being and happiness and also keep our environment clean. It is our duty to preserve our environment for our future generation like our forefathers did for us.”

Mr. Deepak Jolly Vice President Coke and Mr. Dinesh Kumar Development Comm. Handloom added, “To remain healthy, one must adapt to healthy lifestyle, avoid eating food with high levels of transfat, say no to smoking and alcohol and eat a balanced diet.”

Mr. B.P. Singh, Adviser, DST, who supported the interschool festival Harmony, in his message, said “Children should be taught the importance of health using scientific reasoning so that they not only follow but also understand how a lifestyle can prevent and save lives”.

Others present on the occasion were Dr Anil Goyal President DMA, Nalini and Kamalini, noted Kathak Dancers, Dr H K Chopra President Elect CSI and Dr P K Sharma MOH NDMC,

Renowned religious leaders join the Health and Hygiene Campaign

Come together at an initiative organized by Heart Care Foundation of India at the onset of the 21^st MTNL Perfect Health Mela 2014

New Delhi, 14^th October 2014 –The concept of ritual purity is especially important when it comes to worship or offering obligatory prayers. Every religion has some guidelines associated with cleanliness and has specific practices relating to personal hygiene. On the occasion of the onset of the government’s Swachch Bharat campaign and the commencement of its annual flagship event the 21^st MTNL Perfect Health Mela& SAIL Health Pavilion; Heart Care Foundation of India along with Temple of Understanding India Chapter and the World Fellowship of Religion organized a one of its kind round table conference of renowned religious leaders in Delhi today.

The topic of the panel discussion was religious purity and was attended by scholars and religious gurus from across faiths such as Sikhism, Jainism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Baha’ism. Dr A.K. Merchant National Trustee Baha’i Community of India and Padma Shri Awardee and President of the Heart Care Foundation of India Dr K K Aggarwal moderated the discussion. All religious leaders were seen sharing their views and experiences about the importance of keeping one’s internal and external environment clean and pure.

Commenting at the occasion Dr. KK Aggarwal said, “There is diversity amongst all religions about the concept of pure and impure. The main aim of this conference was to study the practices relating to purity and cleanliness and to identify a common ground where they all stand as one. It is such a pleasure to see people from across faiths coming to an agreement on the importance of keeping our external environment clean to help achieve health and happiness. I would like to urge everyone to come together and help us take Modiji’s Swachch Bharat movement and extend it to a Swachch and Swasth Bharat movement at the Perfect Health Mela 2014 for if we increase our concentration on keeping our environment clean, we can reduce the disease burden of the country by upto 50%”

A.K. MerchantNational Trustee Baha’i Community of India added, “In the existing religious system of the world, there is a great body of information regarding health and hygiene more particularly “ritual purity”. These discourses would be valuable to society at large. The central purpose of purity rituals is the relationship with the divine. I would like to congratulate Heart Care Foundation of India on this noble initiative and I would like to say on behalf of all the religious leaders present here today that we support their Swachch Bharat Swasth Bharat motto at the 21^st Perfect Health Mela”.

Key points discussed during the session include:

·           Purity and pollution or impurity is fundamental religious categories, found with greater or lesser emphasis in every major religious tradition. 

·           Whether the pollution is intentional or not, a state of impurity exists that must be removed by some process that restores purity. Purity is restored by a wide variety of materials and rites, depending on the religious attitudes and ways of the group concerned.

·           Water is the greatest purifier and its use in rites of purification is almost universal. Fire is also considered purifying by some religions. Ash or deep soil mud can be used to purify or clean if water is not available. 

·           Prayer, meditation and rituals can purify. All religions emphasize cleanliness before offering prayers.

·           All religions stress on outward cleanliness as well as internal cleanliness and purity of thought.

·           Many laws of purity as prescribed in various religions serve the cause of cleanliness and sanitation and thus tend to prevent illness.

·           A clean environment is important for well-being, both physical and spiritual.

·           Inner cleanliness is achieved with prayer, fasting, compassion, seva.

·           The body should be treated with respect even after death

Other dharma gurus and scholars present at the event included: Fr. Bento Rodrigues, Christianity; Rabbi Ezekiel I. Malekar, Judaism; Sardar KP Singh, Sikhism; Ven. Sumithananda Thero, Buddhism; Fr. (Dr.) M. D. Thomas, Christianity; Dr AK Merchant, Baha’i; Archarya Ravindra Nagar,, Hinduism; Dr Hanif Md. Khan Shastri, Islam, Dr. Sarlaji Maharaj,  Jainism and Mrs. Rekha Modi, former Vice President, Mahabodhi Society.

ENDS

About Heart Care Foundation of India

Initiated in 1986, the Heart Care Foundation of India is a leading National NGO working in the field of creating mass health awareness among people from all walks of life and providing solutions for India’s everyday healthcare needs. The NGO uses consumer based entertainment modules to impart health education and increase awareness amongst people. A leading example of this is the Perfect Health Mela, an annual event started in 1993 that is attended by over 2-3 lakh people each year. The Mela showcases activities across categories such as health education seminars and checkups, entertainment programs, lifestyle exhibitions, lectures, workshops and competitions. In addition to this, the NGO conducts programs and camps to train people on the technique of hands only CPR through its CPR 10 mantra for revival after a sudden cardiac arrest. They currently hold three Limca books of world records for the maximum number of people trained in hands only CPR in one go. Keeping article 21 of the Indian constitution in mind, which guarantees a person Right to Life, Heart Care Foundation of India has also recently initiated a project called the Sameer Malik Heart Care Foundation Fund to ensure that no one dies of a heart disease just because they cannot afford treatment. 

For more information please contact

Heart Care Foundation of India

Sanjeev Khanna/ Rituparna Dutta/rituparna.hcfi@gmail.com/9891693309​