National Launch of Capacity Building Initiative to Engage Physicians on Sodium Reduction
New Delhi | 12 August 2026
In a significant step towards strengthening India’s response to hypertension and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), IPE Global – Centre for Knowledge & Development (IPE-CKD), in collaboration with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and with support from Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), is launching the National Capacity Building Initiative – Engaging Physicians for Sodium Reduction in India, a new initiative to strengthen the prevention and management of hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease and other non-communicable diseases on 12 August 2026 at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
Recognizing healthcare physicians as the most trusted source of health information for patients and communities, the initiative will equip physicians through webinars on evidence-based sodium reduction interventions and their integration into routine clinical practice. The webinars will also cover the appropriate and safe use of potassium-enriched Low-Sodium Salt (LSS) Substitutes, supported by practical knowledge and tools to promote healthier dietary choices and reduce patients’ long-term cardiovascular risk. The training modules will be formally released at the national launch event.
Commenting on the significance of the initiative, Dr. Syed Imran Farooq, Executive Director, Resolve to Save Lives India, said:
“Excess sodium intake is one of the most significant, preventable drivers of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and premature death in India. Reducing sodium is one of the simplest, highest-impact ways to save lives. Although the evidence for sodium reduction is well established, lasting impact at the population level depends on evidence-based interventions becoming part of routine clinical practice. Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL) is proud to support IPE Global – Centre for Knowledge & Development’s Engaging Physicians for Sodium Reduction in India initiative to help millions of Indians make healthier choices and lower their long-term risk of heart disease and stroke.”
Hypertension remains one of the leading modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease, stroke and chronic kidney disease. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends consuming less than 2 grams of sodium (equivalent to less than 5 grams of salt) per day, Indians consume nearly twice this amount on average. High dietary sodium continues to be a major contributor to raised blood pressure. Reducing population-level sodium intake is recognised by WHO as one of the most cost-effective “best buy” interventions for preventing NCDs. It is a key component of India’s efforts to reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases.
Developed in consultation with leading clinicians, technical experts, policy stakeholders and public health partners, the module brings together the latest scientific evidence and practical guidance on sodium reduction, including the appropriate use of potassium-enriched Low-Sodium Salt Substitutes (LSS), along with tools to support their integration into routine clinical practice and continuing medical education.
Highlighting the importance of implementation and collaboration, Mr. Himanshu Sikka, Chief Strategy and Diversification Officer and Practice Lead – Health, Nutrition and WASH, IPE Global, said:
“Evidence changes lives only when it changes practice. The burden of non-communicable diseases continues to rise in India, as highlighted by the National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6), underscoring the urgent need to strengthen preventive healthcare. At the same time, Indians consume nearly twice the recommended daily limit of sodium, making excess sodium a leading modifiable risk factor for hypertension, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease. Equipping physicians with the knowledge and practical tools to promote sodium reduction is critical to translating evidence into routine clinical care, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes for millions of Indians.”
Emphasising the central role of physicians in preventive healthcare, Dr. Anil J Nayak, National President, Indian Medical Association, said:
“Doctors are uniquely positioned to influence health behaviours through routine patient interactions, making them powerful advocates for preventive healthcare. Integrating evidence-based sodium reduction interventions into routine clinical practice offers a practical opportunity to strengthen the prevention and management of hypertension and other noncommunicable diseases. The Indian Medical Association is pleased to partner with IPE Global Centre for Knowledge & Development and Resolve to Save Lives in this important national initiative. We encourage our network of medical professionals across the country to participate in this programme and equip themselves with the knowledge and practical tools to make sodium reduction, including the appropriate and safe use of potassium-enriched low-sodium salt substitutes, an integral part of patient care. Through collective action, the medical fraternity can play a pivotal role in reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases and improving population health.”
The National Capacity Building Initiative marks an important step towards strengthening preventive healthcare in India. By fostering stronger collaboration across government, the medical community and public health partners, it seeks to accelerate the adoption of evidence-based approaches to reducing excess sodium consumption and preventing hypertension and other non-communicable diseases.
As India intensifies its efforts to address the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases, the initiative has the potential to catalyse a sustained, physician-led movement for sodium reduction-strengthening health systems, advancing national public health priorities, and contributing to healthier lives for millions of Indians.
Event Details
Event: National Launch – Engaging Physicians for Sodium Reduction in India
Date: Wednesday, 12 August 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Venue: Tamarind Hall, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi Organised by: IPE Global – Centre for Knowledge & Development (IPE-CKD) In collaboration with: Indian Medical Association (IMA)
Supported by: Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL)
For Media Queries
Email: sandeep@ipeckd.com
Designation: Project Lead – Engaging Physicians for Sodium Reduction in India, IPE-CKD
Mobile: +91-9958880728
About IPE Global – Centre for Knowledge & Development (IPE-CKD)
IPE Global – Centre for Knowledge & Development (IPE-CKD) is an independent non-profit organisation that designs, implements and scales sustainable solutions to address public health and development challenges across India and South Asia, working with governments, philanthropic institutions, bilateral agencies and civil society across health, nutrition, gender equality, climate change and WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene).
About Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL)
Resolve to Save Lives is a global health organization that partners locally and globally to create and scale solutions to the world’s deadliest health threats. Since 2017, we’ve worked with governments and other partners in more than 60 countries and supported programs that will prevent more than 9 million heart attack deaths. To find out more, visit our website or LinkedIn.
About Indian Medical Association (IMA)
The Indian Medical Association (IMA), established in 1928, is India’s largest representative organisation of doctors practising modern scientific medicine. Representing more than 3.5 million doctors through more than 1,700 local branches across every state and union territory, the IMA is committed to advancing healthcare policy, strengthening medical education, upholding the dignity of the medical profession, and promoting public health through preventive healthcare initiatives and clinical advocacy.
Note: The views expressed by speakers from IPE Global and Resolve to Save Lives India are shared in their individual capacities as subject-matter experts and do not necessarily represent the views of their respective organisations.
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