API and Glenmark Launch “National BP Screening Day” Initiative

Mumbai  – Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, a leader in cardiovascular management, has announced the launch of the hypertension awareness campaign “Take Charge @ 18” at the iconic Gateway of India. This initiative focuses on raising awareness about the importance of monitoring blood pressure starting at the age of 18.

The Association of Physicians of India (API) has designated the 18th of each month as “Take Charge @ 18 – BP Screening Day,” encouraging individuals aged 18 and older to prioritize regular blood pressure checks. This collaboration represents a significant effort by Glenmark and API to enhance awareness and diagnosis related to hypertension.

The campaign kicked off with a two-hour 3D video projection that effectively highlighted the critical importance of early blood pressure monitoring. This innovative display serves as a powerful medium to inspire proactive measures and solidify commitment to educating the public about hypertension. The impactful event was live-streamed and viewed by over 100,000 healthcare professionals. Glenmark aims to educate 100 million Indians about hypertension through this initiative.

The campaign addresses the lack of awareness about the appropriate age to start monitoring blood pressure, particularly among the youth, who are increasingly at risk of hypertension and related complications, such as heart attacks.

Glenmark's comprehensive approach includes training around 100,000 healthcare professionals on the importance of early blood pressure checks. The campaign has already achieved several notable milestones:

- **50 Youth Awareness Programs**: Engaging college students to emphasize the need for early blood pressure monitoring.
  
- **Digital Outreach**: Connecting with over 10 million people through bpincontrol.com, social media, and influencer partnerships.
  
- **900+ Hypertension Awareness Rallies**: Conducting over 900 awareness rallies across the country in light of World Hypertension Day and World Heart Month.

Alok Malik, President and Business Head – India Formulations at Glenmark, stated, "At Glenmark, we are deeply committed to raising awareness and making a meaningful impact in the fight against hypertension in India. The alarming increase in hypertension cases, especially among the youth, underscores the necessity of early preventive measures. This campaign focuses on educating the public and empowering them to effectively manage their blood pressure. By taking preventive steps early, we can significantly reduce future health issues and promote better living. Our extensive outreach efforts aim to place hypertension awareness at the forefront of health practices in India."

Recent data from an ICMR study supports this initiative, revealing that 35% of individuals aged 20 and older in India have hypertension, with rates reaching 40.7% in urban populations. One of India's national health goals is to reduce the prevalence of hypertension by 25% by 2025. Glenmark's campaign is a noteworthy step towards achieving this goal through widespread awareness and proactive health management.