The rise of toxic pollutants in Delhi raises concerns about the health and lifestyle of Delhiites, so Medanta, in collaboration with “Doctors for Clean Air and Climate Action,” launches the Medanta Institute of Research and Advocacy for Clean Air and Health (MIRACAH) with the goal of working toward advocacy, training, and research on air pollution and health. This pan-India programme intends to educate Medanta staff about air pollution and health, engage patients to raise awareness about the importance of clean air, and perform in-house and community-based air pollution and health research. During the inauguration at Medanta Gurugram, Dr Naresh Trehan, Chairman and Managing Director, Medanta, said, “Air pollution is a silent killer and Medanta commits itself to do everything to achieve the goal of Clean Air.”
Similarly, Jane Burston, Executive Director, Clean Air Fund, said, “Doctors can communicate scientific information in a simpler way and networks like the ‘Doctors for Clean Air and Climate Action’ are an inspiration for doctors around the world. CAF is committed to working with organisations like Lung Care Foundation for the quality research work they produce and extensive work they do.”
Speaking of the harmful impact of air pollution on the lungs, Dr Arvind Kumar, Chairman, Institute of Chest Surgery at Medanta and Founder & Managing Trustee of Lung Care Foundation, said, “ As medical professionals who are aware of the damage air pollution does to our health, it is our duty
appraise the society of the health impacts of air pollution and accelerate the transition towards cleaner air through citizen and policy-level initiatives.
According to the Swiss organisation IQAir’s ‘World Air Quality Report 2021,’ Delhi is the most polluted capital. According to a study published in 2021 by the Lung Care Foundation, 29.3% of Delhi students had spirometry-defined air-flow obstruction/asthma, while roughly 40% of students complained of cough. Air pollution is a silent killer that jeopardises a country. It is important to stress that all members of society must be aware of the considerable damage caused by air pollution, and strong measures must be taken to prevent it.