Prof. Mohamed Rela – Chennaionline

The Universal Health Code - presented as the world’s first comprehensive “owner’s manual” for the human body, was launched here today. Spanning nearly 300 pages, the book carries the collective wisdom of 50 leading experts from diverse specialisations, all 1984 batchmates of Madras Medical College. The first copies of the book were released by Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu, Chairman, SRM Group, and Prof. Mohamed Rela, Chairman, Rela Hospital. The copies were received by Dinesh Karthik, former Indian cricketer and RCB Batting Coach, in the presence of Dr. Vijay C Bose, Joint Director & Senior Consultant, who compiled the book, and the team of Wings Publications, the publishers. Unlike conventional medical awareness books that offer compartmentalised or piecemeal advice, The Universal Health Code, does not prescribe specific recommendations. Instead, it explains the inner workings of the entire human body in a clear, integrated manner. By understanding these mechanisms - much like reading a user manual - readers are empowered to make their own informed decisions regarding food and lifestyle choices for optimal health. Richly illustrated and written in simple, layperson-friendly language, the book ensures clarity, accessibility, and deeper comprehension of medical concepts. In his comments, Dr. Ravi Pachamuthu said, “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the authors who contributed, especially Dr. Bose, the compiler of this work. For the first time, we have a universal user manual for the entire human body, offering a holistic view instead of fragmented, compartmentalised guidance that may even contradict across specialties. This book presents one unified truth about the whole body and empowers readers to make informed choices. It is commendable that the 1984 batchmates from Madras Medical College, despite their busy schedules, have committed themselves to enhancing public awareness - particularly in curtailing lifestyle diseases - in the best interest of the society.” Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Vijay C. Bose said, “This book was five years in the making. It has been made possible by the unwavering commitment of my batchmates. The growing burden of lifestyle diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, especially in India, prompted this initiative. While many books today offer silo-based advice for individual conditions, the public is often left confused about what to follow. We believe this is the age of knowledge, where people must be empowered with clear knowledge of the body’s inner workings. Modeled on the concept of a user or owner’s manual, this book enables readers to understand how their body functions so they can make the right lifestyle choices. It is one thing to be disease-free; it is another to achieve optimal health. This book aims to guide people toward that higher standard of well-being.” The book launch function also witnessed thought-provoking speeches by the chief guests on the increasing burden of lifestyle diseases and effective models to strengthen public health. The authors of the book also shared their perspectives that underscored the importance of informed, holistic health awareness.