The 25th MTNL Perfect Health Mela closed with the HCFI CSR Awards

The curtains came down on the Silver Jubileecelebrationsofthe MTNL Perfect Health Mela on Saturday with the valedictory ceremony.

The 5-day celebrations, which began on the 23rdculminated with the HCFI CSR awards followed by a scintillating performance by singer Shibani Kashyap and a fascinating illusion act by Mr Rahul Kharbanda.

The HCFI CSR Awards were presented to 10 corporate organizations in recognition of their contributions towards access to affordable healthcare.Two other awards presented during the valedictory ceremony were the HCFI Awards and the IMA NDB Doctor Awards in appreciation of the contributions of the medical fraternity.

This year the Mela focused on a very relevant theme “affordable healthcare” given the wide gap between the need and availability of efficient and cost-effective healthcare services in the country. Though paradoxically, India is fast becoming the hub of medical tourism ande-commerce.

The Mela was inaugurated by Shri Satyendra Jain, the Hon’ble Health minister, Govt. of Delhi at the Talkatora Indoor Stadium, New Delhi. A vocal performance by Padma Bhushan Pandit Chhannulal Mishra left all spellbound.

A National Campaign on Hands-only CPR10 was launched on the inaugural day in collaboration with Ministry of Youth Affairs, Government of India.

Insightful discussions were held in the Evening Conclaves on antimicrobial resistance, IVF, indoor pollution, safe water and air, harm reduction and non-communicable diseases.

Aone-of-its-kindSpiritual Inter-Faith Conferenceon air, sanitation and antimicrobial resistancewas also organized by HCFI along with the World Fellowship of Religions, in which eminent dharma Gurus of all religions participated as speakers. They took a pledge to spread the message about misuse of antibiotics “Saying no to self-antibiotics”and“To take antibiotics only when prescribed by the doctor” among their disciples.

There were lifestyle exhibitions, free health check-ups and consultations with all pathies under one roof, lectures, workshops and competitions ‘Harmony and EcoFest’ (inter-school competitions), National Youth Fest (inter-college competitions) and Anmol (for specially-abled children) all focusing on preventive health.

More than 7000 children from various schools and colleges participated enthusiastically in various on-the-spot competitions like Mehendi art, collage making, painting, and slogan writing.

Thefive-day event was organized jointly with the Health and Family Welfare Dept. NCT Delhi, MTNL, NDMC, MCD and other central and Delhi state government departments.

Dr Tusker, the friendly elephant was the mascot for the Mela.

In its long journey of 25 years, the Perfect Health Mela has been working towards its commitment of making India a healthier nation by creating mass awareness on all aspects of health among people from all walks of life using infotainment as a low-cost health education module.

I am extremely happy at the successful conclusion of the event and the huge participation.

I also take this opportunity to thank all who have been associated with us on this long journey and made it a fruitful one.

Dr KK Aggarwal

Padma Shri Awardee

President Elect Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania   (CMAAO)

Group Editor-in-Chief IJCP Publications

President Heart Care Foundation of India

Immediate Past National President IMA