Bharati Pravin, Union Minister of Health Bharati Pawar has expressed concern over the rise in patients at emergency rooms due to air pollution. In a written response to a Lok Sabha question, the Minister cited a report conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research on the impact of pollution on death rates, disease burden, and life expectancy in India’s states.
According to the MoS Health’s information, the ICMR conducted a multisite study in Delhi to determine the impact of increased air pollutants on respiratory morbidity. This was done by analysing 33,213 emergency room patients from 5 different sites in Delhi. The analysis showed a correlation between an increase in air pollution and the number of emergency room patients, with a more marked effect in children.
Pawar stated that the ICMR worked with Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), Institute of Health Matrix and Evaluation, (IHME) to conduct the study.
Government steps taken to combat air pollution
In her response, the Minister discussed the steps taken by the government to combat air pollution in the country and the health effects that result from it.
She mentioned the National Program on Climate Change and Human Health launched by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Its aim is to raise awareness and create capacity, as well as prepare and respond in the health sector and form partnerships on climate-sensitive health issues. It was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2019.
The Ministry of Health (MoS) informed the House that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has also developed a City Specific Clean Air Action Plan to be implemented in 131 cities with air pollution levels above or below the national standard.
According to the National Air Quality Index (NAQI), Delhi has poor air quality in most areas. Anand Vihar DPCC station measured the AQI as 360 on Saturday at 9:00 AM. Delhi Pollution Control Committee states that exposure to extremely poor air quality for a prolonged period of time can lead to respiratory illnesses.
