New Delhi, Oct 13 (UNI) The Health Ministry today launched Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) awareness week with a mission to train one individual in every household with this life-saving technique.
Underlining the importance of CPR as an emergency procedure to prevent the sudden cardiac arrest cases, Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava said, “The simple act of performing hands-only CPR can sustain blood flow and oxygen to vital organs until professional help arrives increasing survival chances manifold.”
She urged mass public participation for the ongoing nationwide awareness drive until October 17 stating that nearly 70 per cent of deaths due to heart failure occur outside the hospital settings where immediate medical assistance is often unavailable.
“In these critical moments, timely administration of CPR by a bystander can significantly improve survival outcomes,” Srivastava remarked.
The event featured a live demonstration of hands-only CPR conducted by medical experts, showcasing the simple steps that can be performed by anyone to save a life during a cardiac emergency.
The inaugural ceremony of the five-day campaign witnessed 15,000 participants from the health sector, along with representatives from medical institutions and civil society from across the country, noted the officials from the Ministry.
To tackle the low rate of CPR administration by bystanders, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has planned nationwide pledge ceremonies, physical and virtual demonstrations on CPR, expert interactions, and panel discussions on cardiac health and the importance of timely intervention in saving lives during the mass awareness week.
