Guwahati: Marking World Hypertension Day 2026, the National Service Scheme (NSS) Cell of The Assam Royal Global University, in collaboration with the Cardiological Society of India – North East Chapter and Cardiological Society of Assam, organized a free cardiac health check-up camp and expert panel discussion at the university campus on Friday.

The programme was aimed at creating awareness about hypertension, widely known as the “silent killer,” and its growing role as a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.

The day-long initiative saw active participation from RGU faculty members, staff, students, residents from nearby villages, and members of neighboring institutions, including Royal Global School. A total of 131 people benefited from the free health screening services conducted by cardiologists and clinical teams from CSI-NE and CSA.

The medical camp included blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar testing, lipid profile examination, and ECG services, helping participants identify potential health risks at an early stage. The screenings were conducted free of cost with support from Sun Pharmaceutical Industries and IPCA Laboratories.

An interactive panel discussion on the theme “Controlling Hypertension Together… Defeat the Silent Killer” was also held at the Seminar Hall of RGU’s D Block. Eminent cardiologists including Dr. D.J. Dutta, Dr. Rituparna Baruah, Dr. B. B. Kukreja, Dr. Dinesh Agrawal, and Dr. M. K. Sutradhar shared medical insights and practical guidance on preventing hypertension and maintaining heart health.

Moderating the session, Dr. B. B. Kukreja highlighted the alarming rise of hypertension in India. “Prevalence of hypertension in Indian adults is 31%, affecting nearly 200 million people,” he said, warning that the condition is rapidly emerging as a major public health challenge across the country.

Dr. Kukreja pointed out that India is increasingly being described as a “hypertension capital” because of factors such as early onset of high blood pressure, low awareness levels, and rising cardiovascular risks in both urban and rural populations.

Introducing the programme, cardiologist Dr. Rituparna Baruah of Apollo Hospitals said the theme of World Hypertension Day 2026 calls for collective responsibility among institutions, families, and communities. He stressed that regular screening and awareness are especially important among young adults as stress and lifestyle-related health risks continue to rise.

The panelists described hypertension as a silent disease that can damage vital organs including the heart, kidneys, brain, and eyes if left uncontrolled. They advised people to adopt healthier lifestyles through balanced diets, regular exercise, stress management, and avoiding tobacco and harmful alcohol consumption.

A major highlight of the programme was the active involvement of RGU NSS volunteers, who managed registration, participant coordination, and assistance across screening stations and discussion sessions. Organisers said the initiative reflected the spirit of youth-led community service and preventive healthcare awareness.

The organisers further stated that the programme aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Goal 3 on Good Health and Well-Being and reaffirmed their commitment to continuing awareness campaigns and preventive healthcare initiatives in the region.