Speaking at the event, the Union Health Secretary emphasized that CPR training should not be limited to healthcare workers alone. “The simple act of performing hands-only CPR can sustain blood flow and oxygen to vital organs until professional help arrives, increasing survival chances manifold,” she said.
She highlighted that nearly 70% of cardiac arrests occur outside hospitals, often in homes, offices, or public spaces — where immediate medical assistance may not be available. In such cases, even a few minutes of delay can be fatal, but timely bystander CPR can drastically improve survival outcomes.
Nationwide Launch and Mass Participation
The inauguration of CPR Awareness Week featured a national pledge ceremony and a live hands-only CPR demonstration conducted by medical experts. Over 15,000 participants from hospitals, educational institutions, and civil society organizations joined the event, both physically and virtually, reaffirming their commitment to spread CPR awareness in their communities.
The Ministry stated that its goal is to ensure that every household, school, office, and public institution has at least one individual trained in CPR. This mass participation initiative is designed to build community resilience and reduce preventable deaths caused by sudden cardiac arrest.
Digital Outreach and Interactive Campaigns
To maximize citizen engagement, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with MyGov and MyBharat platforms, launched an online CPR pledge and quiz. These digital tools aim to promote interactive learning and motivate individuals to commit to CPR readiness through gamified awareness activities.
During the awareness week, multiple activities such as virtual CPR demonstrations, expert panel discussions, public awareness campaigns, and educational content dissemination will be held across India. Health institutions and NGOs will also organize community events to teach CPR techniques to citizens of all age groups.
Building a Heart-Safe India
The CPR Awareness Week 2025 represents a major step in building a heart-safe India, where immediate and informed action by ordinary citizens can save lives in medical emergencies. By encouraging public participation, the campaign promotes a culture of health literacy and preventive action.
Experts have welcomed the initiative, noting that India’s low bystander CPR rate has been a significant factor in poor cardiac survival outcomes. The week-long observance is expected to not only raise awareness but also inspire permanent integration of CPR training into school curriculums and workplace health programs.
The Ministry urged everyone to take the CPR Pledge and encourage others to learn this lifesaving skill, reinforcing the belief that “every second counts, and every citizen can be a lifesaver.”