Hyderabad, April 27 (NationPress) — Telangana Industries and Information Technology Minister D. Sridhar Babu on Sunday, April 26, reaffirmed the state government's commitment to building a healthier Telangana by reinforcing public healthcare infrastructure, upgrading government hospitals, and driving preventive health awareness across all strata of society. The Minister made these remarks at the Global Oral Cancer Awareness Marathon organised by the Global Oral Cancer Trust in Hyderabad, flagging off the event at Sattva Knowledge Park, Raidurgam.

Minister Issues Stern Warning on Gutka, Tobacco and Narcotics

Sridhar Babu delivered a sharp warning against the consumption of gutka, pan masala, khaini, and narcotic substances, calling them life-threatening and a serious public health hazard. He stated that the Telangana government is actively implementing stringent measures to suppress illegal trade and consumption of such substances across the state.

The Minister specifically appealed to the youth, urging them to distance themselves from harmful addictions and instead channel their energy toward a productive and healthier future. He highlighted that tobacco use is directly linked to a surge in life-threatening diseases, particularly oral cancer, and called for urgent, large-scale awareness campaigns.

10K Run and 5K Run Flagged Off at Raidurgam

The 10K run was flagged off by Minister Sridhar Babu, while the 5K run was launched by Cyberabad Police Commissioner M. Ramesh at Sattva Knowledge Park. The event drew enthusiastic participation from IT professionals, doctors, prominent personalities, and employees from multiple software companies across the city.

Participants also arrived from neighbouring states including Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, underscoring the event's regional significance and growing awareness around oral cancer prevention.

Global Oral Cancer Trust Highlights Early Detection

Dr K. Dileep Kumar, Chairman of the Global Oral Cancer Trust, emphasised that early detection of oral cancer dramatically improves treatment outcomes and survival rates. He urged citizens to undergo regular health check-ups and not ignore early warning signs such as persistent mouth ulcers, white patches, or difficulty swallowing.

Dr Kumar noted that initiatives like the Oral Cancer Awareness Marathon serve a dual purpose — spreading preventive knowledge and encouraging community participation in health advocacy. He stressed that awareness at the grassroots level is the most effective tool in reducing oral cancer mortality.

Yoga, Exercise, and Preventive Healthcare Promoted

Minister Sridhar Babu called on citizens, especially the youth, to adopt healthy lifestyle habits including yoga and regular physical exercise. He expressed deep concern over the rising number of deaths attributable to lifestyle-related and addiction-driven illnesses, calling the trend alarming and avoidable.

He underlined that events like this marathon are not merely symbolic — they represent a grassroots movement to change behavioural patterns and reduce the burden on the public healthcare system. The Minister noted that preventive healthcare is far more cost-effective than curative treatment, and the state government intends to scale up awareness drives in both urban and rural areas.

Broader Context: Telangana's Public Health Challenges

This initiative comes against the backdrop of India accounting for nearly one-third of the global oral cancer burden, according to health data, with tobacco and smokeless tobacco products being the primary drivers. Telangana, like several other southern states, has witnessed a disproportionately high prevalence of gutka and pan masala consumption, particularly among young working-class populations.

Notably, the Telangana government has previously imposed bans on certain tobacco products, but enforcement has remained inconsistent, with illegal sales continuing in several districts. Critics argue that awareness campaigns must be paired with robust law enforcement and accessible de-addiction centres to produce measurable outcomes.

As World Oral Health Day and national cancer awareness months approach, events like this marathon are expected to gain further momentum. The Global Oral Cancer Trust is reportedly planning additional outreach programmes across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh in the coming months, with a focus on school and college campuses.