Jalandhar, July 24, 2022 (Yes Punjab News)
Leading doctors and Jalandhar Management Association come together to work towards reducing air pollution in Punjab for better health and well being of residents of Jalandhar at launch of Doctors for Clean Air and Climate Action (DFCA) Punjab chapter.
DFCA, is a pan India network of doctors working passionately towards creating awareness about the health impacts of Air Pollution for advocacy and action towards clean air. DFCA is an initiative of Lung Care Foundation, a Guinness world record holding non-profit organisation and Health Care Without Harm, a US based international non-profit organisation.
Several research studies have found that poor air quality in Punjab is linked to rising health concerns. Punjab had a PM2.5 value of 65.7 µg/m³ in 2020. According to the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI), a tracker developed by the University of Chicago, which measures the effect of air pollution on life expectancy, a permanent, nationwide air pollution reduction of 25%, will add 1.5 years to the lives of the residents of Punjab.
Air pollution is responsible for 18.8% of all fatalities in Punjab and a startling 114.8 crore in economic losses. Immediate and proper action is needed to combat air pollution and bring about change. When it comes to discussing topics that have an impact on health, doctors are the most credible speakers, and Punjab’s level of air pollution needs substantial awareness and advocacy campaigns.
Dr. P.S. Bakshi, Director, Virk Hospital & Director, IMA Hospital Board of India, said, – “I have been practising in the city for many years now, and the state of air quality in the city and the state has been a cause of great concern. As a doctor, I am happy to be a part of the Doctors for Clean Air and Climate Action network which gives me a platform to talk about the health impacts of air pollution and climate change with my patients, fellow doctors, relevant stakeholders and the masses.”
Ahsanul Haq, Director, India Program, Mastermind Business School, London & President Jalandhar Management Association, said – “Pollution- If we do not kill it today, It will kill us tomorrow. Let’s unite to be part of the solution and not part of the pollution. Save Lungs- Save Humanity.”
Dr. Arvind Kumar, Founder Trustee Lung Care Foundation & Chairman – Institute of Chest Surgery, Medanta, Gurugram said- “Doctors are motivated motivators. They are one of the most trusted professionals to disseminate information to fellow doctors, media and the masses. The DFCA state launch in Punjab will bring Awareness, which will lead to Awakening followed by much needed Action for protecting and preserving health from the ill- effects of air pollution and climate change.”
Rajiv Khurana, Founder Trustee Lung Care Foundation & International Management Consultant, said- “Doctors play a pivotal role in terms of care and cure of the health of people. Air pollution and climate change is impacting everyone adversely. It is time that the doctors and all the stakeholders should come together and work at an individual and community level to co-create better and brighter health for people.”
Dr. Carmin Uppal, Program Manager, Doctors for Clean Air and Climate Action, said- “The launch of Doctors for Clean Air and Climate Action network in Jalandhar, Punjab, supports and harnesses the collective power of health professionals to propel the Clean Air and Climate Action movement, at a more organised and faster pace.”
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