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Mahatma Gandhi had high BP, got malaria thrice

These nuggets of information are part of files, published for the first time, by the Indian Council Medical Research, giving all recorded details of Gandhi's health profile and his daily routines.

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A gamut of ailments troubled Mahatma Gandhi during his lifetime whose constant companion was high blood pressure. The Father of the Nation may not have bowed down to the British, but malaria got the better of him thrice.

These nuggets of information are part of files, published for the first time, by the Indian Council Medical Research, giving all recorded details of Gandhi's health profile and his daily routines.

Gandhi was down with Malaria in 1925, 1936, and 1944. He weighed only 46.7 kilograms at 165 centimeters in 1939, with a body mass index of 17.1, meaning he was 'underweight' as per current Ministry of Health estimates.

The records also show that he was operated for piles and appendicitis in 1919 and 1924 respectively.

Gandhi suffered from high blood pressure. "As per health file of Gandhiji (1924-47), his blood pressure readings were as high as 194/130 and 220/110 [on Oct 26, 1937, and February 19, 1940]. In between as well, his blood pressure readings were higher than normal and touched 170/110 and 180/105," says the published material.

The records, with a foreword from Union Health Minister JP Nadda, have been published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research collector's edition and launched by the 14th Dalai Lama.

The Journal also highlights ICMR's contribution in areas that are relevant to Gandhian principles including importance to hygiene and sanitation (relevant to diseases like cholera, malaria, TB and leprosy), living a disciplined life and the role of physical fitness with meditation (relevant to lifestyle diseases, mental health and the youth) and balanced diet (relevant to nutrition).

"The Indian Council of Medical Research was set up in 1911. In a journey, that has spanned more than a century, this institution has made an immense contribution towards various disease control programmes and has tried to follow the path shown by the Mahatma Gandhi, by touching and impacting the lives of millions of Indians. Mahatma Gandhi had spearheaded many revolutions in our country and ICMR has embodied his values and principles in its health research to improve the health and well-being of the country," said Prof (Dr) Balram Bhargava, Secretary, Department of Health Research and Director General, ICMR.

Was ‘Underweight’

  • Gandhi weighed only 46.7 kilograms at 165 cms in 1939, with a body mass index of 17.1
  • This means he was ‘underweight’ as per current Ministry of Health estimates. He was also operated for piles
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