World Hypertension Day 2026

The Department of General Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Khaja Bandanawaz University, Kalaburagi organized a Guest Lecture on the occasion of World Hypertension Day 2026 on 22nd May 2026 at the Lecture Hall, 3rd Floor, KBN Hospital at 10:00 AM.World Hypertension Day is observed globally every year to create awareness regarding hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, which is often referred to as the ‘Silent Killer’ because it may remain unnoticed until severe complications occur. The celebration aimed to educate healthcare professionals, postgraduates, students, and the general public regarding the importance of early diagnosis, prevention, and proper management of hypertension.

The 2026 global campaign theme was “Controlling Hypertension Together: Check your blood pressure regularly, defeat the silent killer.” The theme highlighted the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring, community awareness, lifestyle modification, and collaborative efforts in reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

INAUGURATION OF THE EVENT

The programme commenced at 10:00 AM and was  hosted by postgraduate Dr. Maheen, followed by  the formal inauguration ceremony. The dignitaries were invited onto the dais and welcomed with bouquets by the staff members of the Department of General Medicine.The event was graced by Dr. Guruprasad Sir, Dean, FOMS-KBNU; Dr. Siddaling Chengty Sir, Medical Superintendent, FOMS-KBNU; Professor Emeritus Nadoja Dr. P. S. Shankar Sir, Senior CEO, FOMS-KBNU; Dr.Chandrakala, professor , Department of General medicine,  Dr. Mohammad Abdul Waheed Sir, Professor and Head, Department of General Medicine; and the esteemed resource person Dr. Anand Katageri Sir, Associate Professor, Jayadeva Hospital, Kalaburagi.

As part of the inauguration ceremony, the dignitaries participated in watering the plant symbolizing growth, awareness, prosperity, and the importance of healthy living in society.

The  welcome address was delivered by Dr. Mohammad Abdul Waheed Sir, Professor and Head of the Department of General Medicine.

He highlighted the need for continuous medical education, awareness programs, and preventive healthcare strategies to improve cardiovascular health outcomes.

The presidential address was delivered by Dr. Guruprasad Sir, Dean, FOMS-KBNU. He congratulated the Department of General Medicine for organizing a thoughtful and academically enriching programme that would benefit postgraduate students, practitioners, and faculty members alike.

He stressed the importance of keeping updated with changing hypertension guidelines and the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases due to changing lifestyles, stress, dietary habits, and lack of physical activity. He appreciated the department for taking active steps in spreading awareness among healthcare professionals and students.

Dr. Siddaling Chengty Sir, Medical Superintendent, FOMS-KBNU, addressed the gathering and appreciated the efforts of the Department of General Medicine in organizing the programme on World Hypertension Day 2026.

Professor Emeritus Nadoja Dr. P. S. Shankar Sir shared his vast clinical experience, knowledge, and expertise with the audience.He elaborated on the changing terminologies and nomenclature in medicine and highlighted how lifestyle changes have contributed to the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases. He explained that hypertension has now become an integral part of almost every disease condition and emphasized the importance of early diagnosis, preventive healthcare, and evidence-based management.

The scientific session commenced at 10:30 AM and was delivered by the esteemed resource person Dr. Anand Katageri Sir, Associate Professor, Jayadeva Hospital, Kalaburagi.Dr. Anand Katageri Sir began the session by emphasizing the increasing burden of cardiovascular diseases in present-day society and highlighted that hypertension has now become the hub of many diseases due to changing lifestyles, unhealthy dietary habits, stress, physical inactivity, and urbanization.

The session focused on the latest Hypertension Guidelines 2025 with special emphasis on the changes in AHA and European hypertension guidelines.

Dr. Anand Katageri Sir elaborated on the correct methods of blood pressure measurement and emphasized that proper technique, though often overlooked, plays a major role in accurate diagnosis and management.

He discussed the importance of home blood pressure monitoring, resistant hypertension, secondary hypertension, and opportunistic screening. The lecture also highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and timely management of hypertension for maintaining cardiovascular health.

The importance of assessment of cardiovascular risk, reaching target blood pressure goals, and rational use of combination therapy was discussed in detail.The speaker stressed the significance of lifestyle modifications including healthy diet, regular physical activity, weight management, salt restriction, smoking cessation, and stress reduction. He also emphasized minimizing pill burden using Single Pill Combinations (SPCs) and adopting cost-effective treatment strategies.

Following the scientific session, Dr. Anand Katageri Sir was felicitated by the dignitaries and faculty members as a token of appreciation for his valuable academic contribution and enlightening lecture.

The vote of Thanks was proposed by Dr. Sumangala, Assistant Professor, Department of General Medicine.

The programme concluded successfully with active participation from faculty members, postgraduates, interns, and students.

The event effectively created awareness regarding hypertension and reinforced the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring, healthy lifestyle practices, and early intervention.

The event concluded with strong message -Let us continue to spread awareness about hypertension and encourage everyone to “Know your numbers – Check your BP regularly and stay healthy.”