SOP to Be Prepared to Prevent Non-Communicable Diseases in Children – Minister of State Meghna Sakore-Bordikar

Mumbai, Nov 2025 :To ensure good health for the people of the state and to make healthcare services easily accessible to all citizens, the State Government is implementing several initiatives in the public health sector. Against this backdrop, a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be prepared to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among children, Minister of State for Public Health Meghna Sakore-Bordikar said.

She was speaking while guiding participants at a workshop jointly organised by the Public Health Department and UNICEF on the growing problem of non-communicable diseases among children. The workshop was attended by UNICEF’s Sanjay Singh, Director of Health Services Dr. Vijay Khandewad (via video conferencing), former Vice-Chancellor of the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences Dr. Mridula Phadke, and UNICEF’s Dr. Mangesh Gadhari. Some public representatives also joined the workshop through video conferencing.

Minister Sakore-Bordikar said that healthy children are the future of the nation, and ensuring their well-being is an investment in a brighter future. She added that a workshop will be organised for Members of the Legislature during the Assembly session to create wider awareness about non-communicable diseases in children. The concept of “Healthy Childhood” will be implemented through the State Health Department and UNICEF, and the participation and initiative of public representatives in this effort will be crucial, she emphasised.

The minister further said that due to modern lifestyles, changing dietary patterns, and physical inactivity, non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and mental stress are increasing among children. To combat this, the role of society, schools, parents, and public representatives is very important. She stressed that initiatives launched by the Health Department must be implemented effectively to ensure that children in every region remain healthy and strong—both physically and mentally. She also appealed for regular health check-up camps in schools, the organisation of fitness and healthy childhood campaigns, awareness regarding nutritious diets and physical activity, and special attention to children’s mental health.

Due to modern lifestyles, imbalanced diets, and lack of physical activity, problems such as obesity, diabetes, asthma, mental health issues, and blood disorders are rising rapidly among children. This is a matter of concern for future generations, and public representatives, schools, parents, and social organisations must come together and take the initiative to fight these diseases effectively. Maharashtra has shown the way to the country by reducing child mortality rates. Similarly, the state should play a leading role in preventing non-communicable diseases in children, said UNICEF’s Dr. Sanjay Singh.

Dr. Mridula Phadke said that asthma, obesity, and diabetes are increasing among adolescents and stressed the need for widespread awareness regarding non-communicable diseases. She added that special focus must be given to the health of adolescent girls in this regard.

On this occasion, UNICEF’s Dr. Mangesh Gadhari and the Director of Health Services also shared their views.