New Delhi: The interaction of several factors — such as biology, beliefs, behaviours, social determinants, political decisions, and economic status — influence human health.
While they are frequently discussed in isolation, it is crucial that the connection between these complex systems be recognised in order to build consensus around activities that are needed to advance human health in all dimensions. The book ‘Pulse to Planet:The Long Lifeline of Human Health’ by K. Srinath Reddy intends to disseminate this understanding for a healthier society.
Published by HarperCollins, ‘Pulse to Planet: The Long Lifeline of Human Health‘ will be released on 14 September on SoftCover, ThePrint’s online venue to launch non-fiction books.
In a foreword to the book, Infosys founder N. Narayana Murthy said, “Srinath uses his public health expertise to delineate the various factors of the complex system of living well on our planet to its readers with a special focus on the youth of our country. Using his deep expertise in public health, he exhorts his readers to make their lives healthier, joyful and purposeful.”
Former NDTV chairperson Pranoy Roy called it one of the “finest medical” books he has read.
In the realm of medical research, advancements are being made that challenge traditional methods, particularly in drug development.
“I use inverted commas for ‘medical’ because this book is extremely accessible to non-medical practitioners—even while it is based on the deepest, most erudite medical research. Srinath Reddy is, in my opinion, one of the best medical minds—with years of hands-on experience coupled with continuous research to keep abreast of the latest developments in the fast-changing world of medicine,” Roy further said.
About the author
Reddy is a cardiologist and epidemiologist, who was the head of cardiology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, before founding the Public Health Foundation of India. He is currently an adjunct professor at Harvard, Emory, Pennsylvania, and Sydney universities after serving as the first Bernard Lown Visiting Professor of Global Cardiovascular Health at Harvard.
Reddy served as president of the World Heart Federation and is a member of the UN Sustainable Solutions Network’s Health Thematic Group. He chaired the Planning Commission’s High Level Expert Group on Universal Health Coverage and advises various Indian states on health policy.
Reddy earned the WHO Director General’s award and the American Cancer Society’s Luther Terry Medal for outstanding global leadership in tobacco prevention, in addition to the Queen Elizabeth Medal for Health Promotion and other honorary doctorates. In 2005, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan.
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