Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 17: In observance of World Heart Day, KMC Hospital Mangaluru has announced a community-focused event aimed at promoting heart health and raising awareness about cardiovascular diseases. The hospital will host the “World Heart Day Walkathon 2025" to encourage active and healthy lifestyles.
Dr Unnikrishnan B, dean of Kasturba Medical College Mangaluru, stated, “At KMC, our mission extends beyond patient care within our walls. We are dedicated to creating awareness about critical lifestyle diseases. By hosting events like the walkathon, we hope to engage the community directly and provide them with the knowledge and motivation to lead healthier lives. This is part of our ongoing commitment to making advanced healthcare accessible and fostering a healthier community in Mangaluru. Our comprehensive cardiac care team consists of five full-time cardiologists, three cardiac surgeons, an electrophysiologist, two cath labs, well-trained technicians, and highly skilled support staff.”
Dr Narasimha Pai, head of cardiology at KMC Hospital Mangaluru, commenting on this year’s theme, stated, “The World Heart Day 2025 theme is ‘Don’t Miss a Beat.’ This theme serves as a reminder to prioritize cardiovascular health by staying vigilant, getting regular check-ups, adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle, and taking action to prevent heart-related diseases. The increasing incidence of heart-related issues, particularly among the youth, is a serious concern. Lifestyle factors such as stress, lack of exercise, and unhealthy eating habits are major contributors.”
He also added, “KMC Hospital World Heart Day Walkathon 2025 will take place on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 6:30 am. Mithun H N, IPS, deputy commissioner of police (law and order), Mangaluru, will flag off the walkathon. The walkathon will begin at KMC Hospital, Dr B R Ambedkar Circle, and proceed through Balmatta Road – Taj Mahal – Milagres Church – IMA Hall – Attavar – S L Mathias Road and conclude at Marena Sports Complex, Kaprigudda, Mangaluru.”
Dr M N Bhat, consultant cardiologist, said, “We have seen that there is health awareness amongst citizens of Mangaluru as they adopt healthy lifestyles through regular health checks, exercise, and conscious eating habits. I reiterate that it is a constant, continuous effort to remain healthy. KMC Hospital has been the pioneer in ‘Walk for your Heart’ walkathons for the last 20 years. This World Heart Day, we want to encourage people to influence their family and friends to inculcate a healthy lifestyle with a unique theme – to get your family and loved ones for the walkathon. KMC Hospitals wants the community to be healthy.”
Dr Harish Raghavan, cardiac surgeon, stated, “These events are designed to be both fun and informative, motivating people to adopt simple, positive changes. Our goal is to make heart health a priority for everyone, encouraging them to be proactive in their well-being. Master Yashas, national gold medallist in the 1000 meters medley relay, will be the torchbearer for this walkathon. The winners of various competitions will be awarded at the valedictory program on September 21, 2025, at Marena Sports Complex.”
Dr Madhav Kamath, cardio thoracic surgeon, stated, “Participants are encouraged to wear red. Various competitions will be conducted through the event, and participants can win exciting prizes in categories like Best Corporate/Group/Institution Participation, Most Enthusiastic Participant(s), Best Slogan Shouting, and Best Placard. The walkathon will be followed by breakfast, with transportation provided from the endpoint back to the start. Last year, we saw over 1,000 people participate in the walkathon conducted by KMC Hospital, and we aim to exceed that number this year. To register for the event, WhatsApp your details to +91 90081 67071. Registration is free but mandatory.”