Hyderabad, April 26 (IANS) Telangana Industries and Information Technology Minister D. Sridhar Babu on Sunday said the state government is committed to building a healthier Telangana by strengthening public healthcare services, improving government hospitals, and promoting preventive healthcare and awareness across all sections of society.

The Minister, who flagged off the Global Oral Cancer Awareness Marathon organised by the Global Oral Cancer Trust in Hyderabad, warned that the use of gutka, pan masala, drugs and khaini poses serious health risks and can be life-threatening.

Sridhar Babu said the state government is taking strict measures to curb the consumption and illegal sale of narcotic substances.

He urged the youth to stay away from such harmful addictions and work towards a brighter future.

The Minister flagged off a 10K run at Sattva Knowledge Park in Raidurgam on Sunday.

He emphasised that everyone must contribute towards building a healthy society and encouraged the youth to adopt good habits such as yoga and regular exercise.

Expressing concern over the rising number of deaths due to unhealthy habits, he stressed the urgent need to increase awareness in society.

Sridhar Babu called for wider awareness campaigns against harmful habits like gutka consumption. He cautioned that tobacco use is leading to an increase in serious diseases such as cancer and urged people to stay away from it.

He said initiatives like the Oral Cancer Awareness Marathon play an important role in spreading awareness on prevention, early detection and healthy living.

Cyberabad Police Commissioner M. Ramesh flagged off the 5K run. Chairman of the Global Oral Cancer Trust, Dr K. Dileep Kumar, said the marathon was organised to raise awareness about oral cancer. He highlighted that early detection makes treatment possible and advised people to undergo regular health check-ups.

IT professionals, doctors, prominent personalities and youth from various software companies in the city, along with participants from Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, took part in the marathon.

–IANS

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