Glenmark Pharmaceuticals unveiled the next phase of its 'India First Heart First' campaign, targeting cardiovascular diseases (CVD) prevalent across India.

The initiative, initially launched on World Heart Day in September 2023, gained significant attention when Sudarsan Pattnaik, renowned sand artist and Padma Shree recipient, crafted a sand sculpture of a human heart at Puri beach, drawing over 5 million viewers.

Continuing its efforts, Glenmark marked another milestone on World Hypertension Day 2024. Collaborating with gemstone carver artist Prithviraj Kumawat, the company unveiled an 8-foot tall, 3.5-ton monumental human heart sculpture made from a single stone of Rose quartz, symbolizing emotional balance associated with the heart chakra. The event saw the presence of eminent cardiologists, including Dr. Deepak Maheshwari, Dr. J.S. Makkar, and Dr. Manoj Kumar.

The event featured insightful talks from cardiologists Dr. J S Hiremath, Dr. A Sreenivas Kumar, Dr. JPS Sawhney, and Dr. Dilip Kumar, highlighting the significance of heart health. Kumawat shared his journey of creating the gemstone sculpture. Additionally, 35,000 doctors nationwide pledged their support for cardiovascular disease awareness, with their signed pledge cards displayed at the sculpture's base, reinforcing a collective commitment to the cause.

CVDs remain a pressing concern in India, accounting for 17.7 million deaths annually, making it the leading cause of non-communicable disease-related deaths. India's contribution to global CVD deaths is substantial, particularly among the younger population, with an alarming age-standardized CVD death rate of 272 per 100,000 population, surpassing the global average of 235, according to recent studies.

Glenmark's 'India First Heart First' campaign stands as a proactive step in combating this critical health issue, aiming to raise awareness, promote prevention, and improve cardiovascular health nationwide.