When people the world over observed World Diabetes Day on Thursday by conducting various programmes, hotels and roadside eateries in Alakode grama panchayat chose a unique way to beat diabetes and create awareness among people.
Hotels in the panchayat went on a “sugar strike”, declining to serve the customer any food and drink containing sugar.
Notices were displayed in front of all hotels, stating that no sugar would be served.
The Health Department was the brain behind the initiative, which not only created awareness among people but also helped the business community understand their role in combating diabetes.
Health inspector E.J Augustine said the initiative turned out to be a complete success as around 90 hotels and roadside eateries in the panchayat participated in it. “We started creating awareness among hoteliers a week ahead of World Diabetes Day and also encouraged them to convey the message to people in a unique way,” he said.
A.R Bineesh, a hotelier, said most people welcomed the decision.
He said despite serving tea without sugar, there was no fall in sale. Except for a few migrants, all others welcomed the initiative in which all hotels participated, he added.
