Jalandhar, Sept 07, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
The United Nations observes Sept 7 as the ‘International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies’ every year to raise awareness and promote action for clean air. The theme for this year, “Invest in #CleanAirNow,” highlights the urgent need for stronger partnerships, increased investment, and shared responsibility to combat air pollution.
Air pollution in India is a pressing public health crisis, claiming the lives of approximately 21 lakh people annually due to diseases like acute respiratory infections, stroke, heart disease, and lung cancer.
According to the latest report by the Energy Policy Institute, India’s life expectancy could be reduced by 3.6 years if current air pollution levels persist. Punjab, a state known for its agricultural richness, is facing a growing air pollution crisis that poses significant threats to the population’s health. People in the region are losing an average of 4.6 years of life due to excessive PM2.5 exposure.
Doctors are witnessing firsthand the devastating health consequences of air pollution. Dr. P.S.Bakhshi, Honorary President of the Doctors for Clean Air and Climate Action (DFCA) from Punjab, emphasizes “As a surgeon, I know that the quality of the air we breathe directly affects the outcomes of surgical procedures and the overall recovery of patients. We see increased complications in patients with respiratory and cardiovascular issues. I urge everyone to commit to cleaner air and stronger climate action.
By doing so, we protect our environment and ensure that every surgery has the best chance of success, giving our patients the healthy future they deserve.” The DFCA Network through its Jalandhar Forum for Clean Air urges the communities and policymakers in the city and the state to address this critical issue.
Dr. Tanvir, a doctor and an avid environmentalist summarizes, “As a doctor with a keen interest to protect the environment, I see the inextricable link between our environment and public health. We must realize that protecting our environment is not just an ecological responsibility but a critical health imperative.
About Lung Care Foundation | Doctors for Clean Air and Climate Action:
Lung Care Foundation is a Guinness World Record-holding social impact trust dedicated to promoting lung health in India. We are developing lung health services and advocating for clean air by highlighting the health ill-effects of Air Pollution, Dust, Smoking, and Poor Lifestyles.
Since our inception in May 2015, We have been working in India and across the Globe with Government stakeholders, UN Bodies, policymakers, NGOs, civil society organizations, and think tanks. We have a nationwide presence through a network of Doctors, trained and committed to advocate for Clean Air and Climate Action.
Doctors for Clean Air and Climate Action (DFCA) is a network of passionate and informed doctors leading the fight against Air Pollution.
Doctors for Clean Air and Climate Action (DFCA), was launched on December 4, 2018, bringing together more than 40 senior doctors representing every state of the country. These doctors took the social responsibility to become champions of clean air and climate action by highlighting the health ill-effects of air pollution and promoting viable solutions.
Top office bearers of 21 leading National Medical Associations, representing over 3 lakh specialist doctors in India, joined the program and committed themselves to this cause.
