Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Friday launched a health campaign called “Mero Barsha 2074” on the theme “Ma Swastha, Mero Desh Swastha”.

Through the drive, the Health Ministry plans to embed preventive measures in healthcare and encourage people to opt for healthy practices. PM Dahal, launching the campaign, urged the people to follow healthy behaviours.

The ministry will urge the people to curb alcohol intake and quit smoking while promoting exercise and nutritious foods. The programmes will be run by the health posts, district hospitals and public health offices in collaboration with the other local stakeholders including schools.

In the campaign, Health Minister Thapa sought people’s commitment to adopting five key behaviours: stopping consumption of alcohol, tobacco or tobacco-related products; exercising regularly; eating healthy and nutritious foods; having routine check-ups; and watching the health of family members.

“The number of people suffering from non-communicable diseases is increasing. So is the government’s spending on health,” said Minister Thapa. He added that promotional messages will be run on media as part of the campaign. Counselling desks on healthy behaviours will be established in each health unit of the government, said Minister Thapa.

At the event, actress Manisha Koirala shared her experiences of battling with cancer and how her changed lifestyle made a difference. “Minor changes in lifestyle can make a big difference. Eat nutritious food and exercise regularly, and the changes will be visible,” said Koirala.

Health Secretary Senendra Raj Upreti said 85 percent people who are hospitalised for non-communicable diseases. “Without public support, our programmes will reach nowhere,” said Upreti.