In an effort to tackle the alarming issue of air and its impact on public health, senior doctors of Kolkata have joined hands with SwitchOn Foundation, EPIC India 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. Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to reduce particulate matter concentration in cities by 40% 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.