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During the second day of the ‘Illness to Wellness’ Summit organized by the ASSOCHAM Foundation for CSR, under the auspices of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), leading medical practitioners shed light on the detrimental impact of air pollution on respiratory health and overall well-being.
In a session titled ‘Depleting Air Quality Index: A Potent Threat to Health and Environment’ moderated by Dr. Karan Thakur, Vice President of Sustainability, ESG & Public Affairs at Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Limited, New Delhi, the alarming effects of air pollution were discussed to underscore the urgency of addressing this pressing issue.
Dr. G.C. Khilnani, Chairman of the PSRI Institute of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at PSRI Hospital, New Delhi, emphasized the profound long-term effects of air pollution on lung health. “Around 30 years ago, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) was relatively unknown. Today, it stands as one of the leading causes of death, largely due to air pollution,” he remarked.
Dr. Khilnani highlighted a concerning trend of COPD-related hospital admissions increasing by over 20 percent, attributing this surge to air pollution. He also drew attention to the often-overlooked impact of household air pollution on respiratory health, calling for urgent measures to mitigate air pollution’s adverse effects, particularly during the summer months.
Echoing Dr. Khilnani’s sentiments, Dr. Vivek Nangia, Principal Director & Head of the Institute of Respiratory, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine at Max Healthcare, emphasized the role of air pollution in exacerbating existing health conditions. “Air pollution contributes to the worsening of ailments such as diabetes, with studies indicating a correlation between prolonged exposure to air pollution and the rise in diabetes cases,” he explained.
Dr. Nangia also highlighted the emergence of sleep apnea as a significant health concern linked to air pollution, underscoring the need for comprehensive measures to address this multifaceted issue.
The ‘Illness to Wellness’ Summit, featuring over 60 distinguished specialists and wellness professionals, aims to raise awareness of critical health-related issues and promote holistic well-being. Through nine sessions covering a diverse range of topics, including healthcare workforce strengthening, nutrition, women’s health, mental health, and digital healthcare, the Summit seeks to empower individuals with knowledge to enhance their health and quality of life.
