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Written By: Editorial Team | Published : May 3, 2016 6:28 PM IST
A survey conducted by eMediNexus, India s premier doctor networking and advocacy platform across a sample size of 1827 medical practitioners on the occasion of World Asthma Day revealed interesting results. Over 90% of the doctors stated that there is a direct link between pollution and bronchial asthma. 70% welcomed initiatives like the odd-even scheme in Delhi as means to combat the increasing pollution levels in the Capital and felt that the Central Government should consider replicating it in other states as well. (Read: World Asthma Day Study says asthma disturbances are on the rise)
Almost all doctors called for a ban on plastics, carbon taxation, reduced burning of garbage, and incentives for recycling as ways of reducing the health burden caused by environmental pollution in India. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 13 of the world s 20 most polluted cities in terms of air pollution are in India. Other studies reveal that 41 Indian cities exceed the ambient air quality standard. (Read: World Asthma Day 4 out of 5 doctors say environmental pollution is the biggest cause of asthma)
Sharing his expert opinion, Padma Shri Awardee Dr KK Aggarwal Editor in Chief, eMediNexus and President, Heart Care Foundation of India said, 'It is estimated that worldwide there are over 235 million people who have asthma. This number continues to increase,specifically in developing countries like India because of increased pollution levels and improper disposal of waste material. A person s health cannot be studied in isolation and must be viewed in a comprehensive manner keeping external factors such as hygiene, sanitation, availability of safe drinking water and pollution levels in mind. It is imperative that a consolidated effort is made by each one of us to reduce environmental pollution as we are at more risk than ever before to suffer from its ill effects. India is home to over 20 million asthmatics. Majority of the people only get diagnosed when the disease symptoms become severe due to a lack of overall awareness. It is crucial that mass awareness campaigns are executed to help make people understand the complications of living with asthma, ways to prevent the disease and effective management.' (Read: World Asthma Day Experts say air pollutions is a trigger for asthma)
The results of the survey found a relatively lower correlation between asthma and consumption of tobacco. The reason for this is perhaps the high incidence of childhood asthma. However as the incidence of teenage smoking continues to rise, asthma will begin to affect a younger population and tobacco control will become imperative.
The medical fraternity also strongly felt that a joint effort by all the Ministries including Health and Family Welfare, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Chemical and Fertilizer, Urban Development, and Road Transport and Highways is crucial to bring down the pollution levels. 90% of doctors felt that this is the only way of bringing down the pollution levels in our country.
Press release
Image source: Getty images (Image for representational purpose only)
