Puducherry: The Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), in collaboration with the Murungapakkam Primary Health Centre (PHC), has launched a Model Wellness Club and an Open Community Fitness Centre under the ICMR-funded Community Action for Lifestyle Modification (CALM) Project.

The initiative, inaugurated within the PHC premises, seeks to promote healthy lifestyle practices in line with the Fit India Mission. It focuses on the prevention of non-communicable diseases through community participation and behavioural change.

The CALM project, supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research, emphasises diet improvement, regular physical activity, stress management, adequate sleep, and reduction in substance use. The newly launched Wellness Club is designed to serve as a community platform for fitness sessions, health education, and peer engagement, encouraging sustained wellness practices.

The Open Community Fitness Centre provides accessible exercise facilities to residents, fostering inclusivity and participation. The initiative also supports the national goal of transforming PHCs into Health and Wellness Centres under the Ayushman Bharat programme, which aims to shift healthcare delivery from curative to preventive care.

Officials said the collaboration highlights the importance of promoting active lifestyles and community-led health initiatives amid the growing prevalence of non-communicable diseases.