During the 'Illness to Wellness' Summit organised by the ASSOCHAM Foundation for CSR, medical experts shed light on the alarming rise of air pollution as a significant contributor to lung diseases and its exacerbating effects on other ailments.

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, and Public Affairs at Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Limited, New Delhi, experts discussed the grave implications of air pollution on public health.

Dr. GC Khilnani, Chairman of the PSRI Institute of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, PSRI Hospital, New Delhi, emphasised the long-term repercussions of air pollution on lung health. He highlighted the alarming increase in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cases, attributing a significant portion of the rise to air pollution. Dr. Khilnani stressed the urgent need to address household air pollution, which often goes unnoticed but contributes to respiratory diseases.

Dr. Vivek Nangia, Principal Director and Head of the Institute of Respiratory, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at Max Healthcare, delved into the role of air pollution in exacerbating existing health conditions. He highlighted the correlation between air pollution exposure and the rise in diabetes cases, shedding light on the emerging preventive risk factor posed by air pollution. Dr. Nangia also discussed the impact of air pollution on sleep apnea, emphasising the multifaceted challenges posed by deteriorating air quality.

The ASSOCHAM Awareness Summit aims to disseminate critical information on health-related issues, fostering overall well-being. With over 60 distinguished specialists and wellness professionals participating, the summit covered various topics across nine sessions, including healthcare workforce strengthening, nutrition, women’s health, mental health, sickle cell diseases, Ayush, elderly care, and the digital healthcare landscape.