By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, DEC 06, 2023: "IT is imperative that patient is administered treatment immediately on suffering a cardiac arrest hence awareness and adequate training for CPR is paramount." This was stated by Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare as he launched the nation-wide public awareness program organized by National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) on CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training, here today, in the presence of Prof SP Singh Baghel, Union Minister of State and Family Welfare and Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare.

More than 20 lakh people have participated in this nation-wide campaign today. The Union Ministers also participated in the training session at the launch event, following the prescribed guidelines demonstrating the ease and underscoring the importance of the training.

Commending the initiative for providing training to the public regarding cardiac arrest, Dr Mandaviya stated "it is vital that we maintain good heart health and adopt a holistic approach towards health incorporating balanced diet and exercise however, in proximity of someone suffering from cardiac arrest, if one is trained in CPR technique, it will enable us to save lives. This is a very commendable effort and I congratulate it."

Lauding the initiative and efforts of NBEMS, the Union Health Minister stated "it is of critical importance as the victim of cardiac arrest needs help administered urgently. In light of this, it is crucial that there is heightened awareness amongst the public with adequate knowledge and training, so that we are able to save someone's life." He further added, "today NBEMS has conducted this awareness program on a national level which will serve to magnify awareness and enhance the reach of this initiative to the farthest corners of the nation."

This is the first CPR awareness program in the country that has been conducted on a national level. During this campaign, participants including students, professionals and paramedical staff were given training in a single sitting through an online medium. Praising the public involvement and participation for the training, Dr. Mandaviya encouraged all for undertaking the training citing that "anyone can suffer from cardiac arrest at any given point in time and enhanced knowledge and training will aid in administering the right procedures and save a life."

Trained doctor present at venues explained the technique of CPR and answered the queries of the participants. NBEMS also issued a certificate of participation to the participants. A video demonstrating the CPR training technique is provided at the following link.