In its efforts to instil awareness about healthy living among the people, Wockhardt Hospitals on the occasion of the world health day observed on April 7 formed a human chain. People from all walks of life including doctors, corporate, students and general public gathered in large numbers at the police grounds in Bangalore and pledged to live healthy.

This year's theme advocated by the World Health Organization is "Invest in health, build a safer future".

City Police Commissioner N Achuta Rao was the chief guest in the function. Participants later formed a 1500-strong human chain which began at the M. G Road boulevard at Anil Kumble Circle extending towards Bridage Road and back.

This year, the WHO has called for each country to invest in health and build its capacity to prevent new and existing threats by strengthening health systems. Threats to health are multiplying and moving faster than ever before. We need to improve preparedness and respond effectively when health hazards occur and one positive step in that direction is organized information sharing. This is a proactive effort directed at creating awareness and spreading the message, 'Tomorrow's health, Today's Initiative', said Vishal Bali, CEO, Wockhardt Hospitals.

"The purpose of creating this human chain is to sensitise the community to the fact that investment in good health and healthy living is as important as investment for wealth. Besides excellent healthcare services and a good team of doctors, it is the deep sense of responsibility and accountability to the community that makes a healthcare organisation complete", he added.

Bali said, that, with today's lifestyles and sedentary nature of jobs, an increased number of individuals are finding it difficult to find time for healthy routines. It is therefore vital for awareness to be created so that they can modify their lifestyles accordingly and prevent disease.