Workshop for med students on air pollution & its impact

Kolkata: In an effort to tackle the alarming issue of air pollution and its impact on public health, senior doctors of Kolkata have joined hands with SwitchOn Foundation, EPICIndia and the University of Chicago to launch the Clean Air Medical Students Ambassador Programme to raise awareness among medical students about the detrimental effects of air pollution.

Air pollution, both ambient and indoor, was responsible for an estimated 1.7 million premature deaths in India in 2019. Yet, only a few doctors talk about the impact and its remedial measures. The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to reduce particulate matter concentration in cities by 40 per cent by 2026. However, achieving this target requires collaborative efforts from all citizens.

A panel of leading doctors conducted an orientation workshop for 50 students from medical colleges in Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha with the support of medical associations, including the South Asian Medical Students Association, Association of Radiation Oncologists of India, Chest Council of India and the Society of Emergency Medicines, among others.

Arup Halder, consultant pulmonologist at CMRI, lauded the programme, calling it a commendable initiative to motivate medical colleges and students to work together for a healthier future.

Vinay Jaju of SwitchOn Foundation, said: "The programme is designed to involve medical students actively in research and provide credible information on the health impacts of air pollution."

Ashirbad Raha, regional director, communications at EPIC India, added: "Air pollution is the biggest silent killer of our times. Increasing the awareness among future doctors about the health impacts of polluted air is like creating an army of informed air pollution champions."