In 1991, 3 doctors died in duty rooms; people blamed inactivity, ghee & coconut oil, but Apollo's Dr Prathap C Reddy says centuries-old famine may have altered genes

In 1991, the deaths of three Indian doctors in their duty rooms triggered a debate over why young people were developing serious heart problems. More than three decades later, Apollo Hospitals Group Founder and Chairman Dr Prathap C Reddy has pointed to deeper ancestral and genetic factors that may contribute to the higher risk of heart attacks among South Asians at a younger age.

Speaking to ANI about the increasing incidence of heart problems among younger people, Reddy recalled the deaths and the discussions that followed.

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“When I came to India, I used to see a lot of young people with heart problems...In 1991, three Indian doctors died in their duty rooms, and then hell broke out. They blamed inactivity, ghee, and coconut oil. But finally, it has been proven that 3 centuries ago, there was a famine that altered our genes. So, South Asians are prone to heart attacks at a much younger age. So, we have to be much more careful...” he told ANI.

Apollo chief on why young South Asians may face heart attack risk

Reddy said the focus should not be limited to individual lifestyle factors when discussing cardiovascular risks among South Asians.

According to his comments to ANI, historical events and changes passed through generations may have contributed to biological characteristics associated with a higher risk of heart disease.

His remarks come amid growing concern over cardiovascular problems among younger Indians and the need for greater awareness about heart health and prevention.

Prathap C Reddy recalls 1991 deaths of Indian doctors

Recalling his early experiences in India, Reddy said he had encountered several young people suffering from heart-related problems.

He specifically referred to the deaths of three Indian doctors in their duty rooms in 1991, saying the incident led to intense discussion over possible causes.

At the time, factors including inactivity and dietary choices such as ghee and coconut oil came under scrutiny, according to Reddy.

He now says the understanding of South Asians’ cardiovascular vulnerability has evolved, pointing towards ancestral factors and the need for greater caution.

Why South Asians need to be more careful about heart health

Reddy stressed that South Asians can develop heart attacks at a comparatively younger age, making awareness and preventive healthcare particularly important.

His comments highlight the importance of recognising cardiovascular risk before serious symptoms appear rather than waiting until a major cardiac event occurs.

The issue is particularly relevant as India has a large young population and faces an increasing burden of lifestyle-related diseases.

Sangita Reddy calls for a wider approach to healthcare

Meanwhile, Apollo Hospitals Joint Managing Director Sangita Reddy said healthcare cannot be addressed through isolated measures such as controlling prices alone.

Speaking to ANI, she emphasised the need for a broader healthcare framework covering prevention, primary care, education, insurance, technology and access to quality treatment.

“Health is a subject that everybody is working on. Health has many dimensions. There is universal availability of primary healthcare, which is critical. There is importance in ubiquitous knowledge of health education and health protocols. There is a larger subject that we have to talk about, high-end care and quality care. How do you bring all these into a framework using health insurance, partnering with public and private, working together, using technology and AI. It's a complex subject; it's not just about price,” she said, according to ANI.

She added, “We must look holistically at quality healthcare, universally accessible healthcare, and completely pervasive primary and preventive healthcare.”

Jitendra Singh stresses diabetes prevention among young Indians

The discussion around young Indians’ health comes as Union Minister for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh has also called for stronger action against diabetes.

Singh, who is also a Professor of Medicine and Diabetology, recently called for diabetes prevention to become a national priority, particularly as the disease increasingly affects rural communities.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India (RSSDI) Diabetes Rural Outreach Digital Portal and the launch of VISHWAS, the Diabetes Awareness Video Library, Singh highlighted the importance of protecting India’s young population.

He noted that more than 70% of India’s population is below the age of 40, making their health and productive potential crucial to the country’s development goals for 2047.

RSSDI launches digital initiative for rural diabetes care

The programme, organised by RSSDI on Independence Day, brought together healthcare experts and stakeholders working in the diabetes sector.

The RSSDI Rural Outreach Programme and VISHWAS are designed to take diabetes awareness, screening, treatment, follow-up and digital health resources closer to rural communities.

Singh said India has made significant progress in healthcare, scientific research and digital innovation, but stressed that these advances must reach people in rural and underserved areas.

He said rural India is increasingly affected by the diabetes epidemic and highlighted early detection, timely treatment, lifestyle changes and regular follow-up as important measures for reducing diabetes-related complications.


Inputs from agencies