Concerns are growing as experts at the 25th National Conference on Pulmonary Diseases (NAPCON-2023) shed light on the alarming connection between increasing air pollution and the surge in respiratory ailments in India. Leading pulmonologists, including Dr. Rakesh K Chawla, Chairman of Pulmonology and Critical Care at Jaipur Golden Hospital, have urged the government to take immediate action by implementing policies aimed at curbing pollution.
Dr. Chawla highlighted the immediate and long-term health impacts of air pollution. He mentioned that immediate effects include eye and throat irritation and an escalation in the severity of asthma attacks. In the long term, air pollution is linked to respiratory diseases and lung cancer, particularly troubling as children in cities like Delhi are growing up with compromised lung conditions, posing a risk to India's overall health, PTI reported.
Expressing disappointment in the government's response, Dr. Chawla called for policies that limit the number of vehicles per family and restrict the number of vehicles on the roads simultaneously. He also advocated for the promotion of carpooling as a sustainable transportation solution.
In a significant move to address this issue, 18 hospitals recently collaborated to train 1,800 medical students and nurses in the latest pulmonology and interventional techniques on October 5. This massive one-day training program aimed to equip healthcare professionals with the skills needed to tackle the rising challenges of respiratory diseases.
NAPCON-2023, known for fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, serves as a platform where professionals exchange ideas and collaborate on innovative approaches that have the potential to transform patient care.
Dr. D J Roy, Immediate Past-President of the Indian Chest Society, emphasized the high prevalence of respiratory infections, COPD, and lung cancer in India, underscoring the pivotal role NAPCON plays in addressing these concerns through cutting-edge research findings and innovative treatments.
Furthermore, Dr. Raja Dhar, an expert in the chronic lung condition Bronchiectasis, emphasized the importance of awareness and early detection in combating this common lung disorder in India.
Post-Covid, the pulmonologist society recognizes the need to integrate nurses and technicians into training programs and continuing nursing education to keep them updated on the latest advancements in respiratory medicine. Dr. Dhar highlighted the importance of their role in delivering quality care in the field.
