Gurugram, Mar 02: India, particularly the Delhi-NCR region, faces a severe, year-round air pollution crisis that peaks during winter months. Chronic Respiratory Diseases (CRDs) are among the top two contributors to India’s non-communicable disease burden, which is further aggravated by smoking cigarettes and beedis, and vaping — all of which introduce harmful chemicals and ultrafine particles into the lungs.
Addressing this escalating public health challenge, Medanta – The Medicity, one of India’s largest private multi-specialty tertiary care providers, has launched a comprehensive, year-round public awareness initiative aimed at shifting national focus from seasonal alarm about poor air quality to sustained vigilance against CRDs. As part of the campaign, Dr. Naresh Trehan, Chairman and Managing Director, Medanta, and Dr. Randeep Guleria, Chairman, Respiratory & Sleep Medicine, Medanta Gurugram, unveiled a landmark Giant Lungs exhibit — an immersive, inflatable walkthrough of the human respiratory system — designed to educate the public on lung health and early diagnosis.
Dr. Naresh Trehan, Chairman and Managing Director, Medanta, stated,
“Air pollution, coupled with newer concerns like vaping, and the widespread underdiagnosis of critical conditions like CRDs, represents a fundamental challenge to public health, silently stealing years from our lives. We must urgently shift our mindset from periodic alerts to continuous vigilance and action. This initiative reflects our dedication to empowering individuals with the knowledge to protect themselves and their families every single day.”
India accounts for over 30% of global deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to CRDs. Recent data indicates particulate matter levels in India in 2023 were more than eight times higher than WHO guidelines, contributing to an average reduction of 3.5 years in life expectancy, with data indicating a potential loss of up to 8.2 years in life expectancy in the Delhi-NCR region due to prolonged exposure to high particulate matter levels. Compounding the crisis is significant underdiagnosis: an estimated 95-98% of COPD cases and nearly 70% of severe asthma cases remain undetected.
Dr. Randeep Guleria, Chairman, Respiratory & Sleep Medicine at Medanta Gurugram, emphasized,
“Air quality discussions often focus on seasonal spikes, but the cumulative damage from chronic exposure is relentless. For Delhi-NCR residents, polluted air is not an occasional event but is a daily reality. The impact is particularly alarming because lung damage progresses silently, with symptoms often appearing only when disease is advanced. Sustained public awareness about CRDs, routine screening, and year-round preventive action are critical to protecting respiratory health in high-risk urban regions like ours.”