National Board of Examinations in Medical Studies is all set to launch a nationwide awareness programme on CPR training

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training will soon be made widely known through a public awareness campaign organised by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's independent National Board of Examinations in Medical Studies (NBEMS).

The Health Ministry's declaration follows a recent nationwide increase in heart attack cases; according to the most current data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the number of deaths from cardiac arrests increased by 12.5% in 2022, from 28,413 in 2021 to 32,457 in 2022. Additionally, according to NCRB data, there would be 56,450 unexpected deaths in 2022 compared to 50,734 in 2021.

The Ministry said on Tuesday that over 10 lakh individuals nationwide will receive training in a single session as part of the scheme. Through the internet, a vast number of people—students, professionals, and paramedical staff—will learn the fundamentals of CPR. At every location, a medical professional with training will be stationed to answer participants' questions and provide instructions on how to perform CPR. The participants will also get a certificate of participation from NBEMS, according to a Ministry press statement.

It also stated that the NBEMS has periodically conducted an extensive campaign on health awareness and social values. A health and environmental awareness cyclothon programme was held by NBEMS last year.