The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, inaugurated CPR Awareness Week from 13th to 17th October 2025, with the aim of promoting widespread awareness, training, and public participation in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). The campaign was formally launched by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava in the presence of senior health officials, medical professionals, and representatives from civil society and medical institutions.
Addressing the gathering, the Health Secretary underscored the critical importance of hands-only CPR in emergency situations, especially during cardiac arrests that occur outside hospital settings. She stated, “The simple act of performing CPR can sustain blood flow and oxygen to vital organs until professional help arrives, significantly increasing the chances of survival.”
Srivastava emphasized the Ministry’s vision of equipping every household, school, office, and public place with at least one CPR-trained individual. She highlighted that nearly 70% of cardiac arrests in India occur outside hospitals, often without immediate medical assistance. In such scenarios, timely intervention by a trained bystander can be the difference between life and death.
As part of the launch event, attendees participated in a mass pledge to promote CPR awareness and encourage others to learn this essential skill. A live demonstration of hands-only CPR was also conducted by medical professionals to showcase the practical and simple steps involved in performing CPR during emergencies.
The Ministry is observing CPR Awareness Week on a pan-India scale, recognizing the need to address low bystander CPR rates and strengthen community-level preparedness. The week-long campaign includes a variety of initiatives such as nationwide pledge drives, physical and virtual CPR demonstrations, expert talks, panel discussions, and other Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities. Over 15,000 participants from across the health sector and civil society joined the inaugural event.
In collaboration with MyGov and MYBharat, the Ministry has also launched an online CPR pledge and quiz, enabling citizens to engage digitally with the initiative.
Through CPR Awareness Week, the Ministry aims to create a CPR-ready nation, empowering citizens with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively during cardiac emergencies and ultimately save lives.
