Air pollution identified as a key contributor to heart disease at ASSOCHAM’s ‘Illness to Wellness’ Summit

The ‘Illness to Wellness’ Summit, organised by the ASSOCHAM Foundation for CSR under the aegis of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), opened with discussions on the health impact of air pollution. Medical professionals at the event emphasised that air pollution is a significant factor contributing to heart disease, surpassing the common perception that it primarily affects lung health.

Dr Sandeep Bansal, Medical Superintendent, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, stated, “Imagery showing people coughing in air pollution has led to the common perception that it only causes lung diseases. However, we need to understand that the effect of air pollution on heart health is extremely important. Air pollution kills by way of cardiovascular diseases. Particulate Matter 2.5 has the ability to enter the bloodstream and can transform cholesterol in the body into oxidised cholesterol, which can lead to plaque ruptures, a condition that may trigger acute heart attacks.”

Dr Bansal further explained, “At our centre, we conducted a study showing that a rise of 0.5 in particulate matter over the preceding week is linked to an increase in heart attack cases. There is significant ongoing research in the country focused on this issue. However, the key now is to collaborate and explore effective solutions, including finding ways to prevent air pollution and, in turn, improve cardiovascular health.”

During his keynote address, Dr Manoj Nesari, Advisor, Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, commended ASSOCHAM’s efforts in promoting the illness to wellness initiative. He said, “I commend them for taking this message to the schools and especially to children because they are the citizens of tomorrow. Today, India is a young nation, but in 30 to 35 years, we will have the largest number of senior citizens.”

Dr Nesari added, “‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’ is not just a political slogan; it also means wellness for all. This vision encompasses the body, mind and the soul. We also have to integrate various knowledge systems, including allopathy and Ayurveda. To share an example, the incidence of anaemia is very high in India, with at least 40 percent of the population, especially women and children, suffering from it. Iron deficiency is not always due to lack of intake but often because of poor uptake in the gut. To address this, we introduced a completely natural, edible formulation in Belgaum, which showed remarkable results. We then expanded this initiative to aspirational districts under Mission Utkarsh. Within a year, we reduced the incidence of iron deficiency from 34 percent to just 2.2 percent.”

Delivering the welcome address, Mr Anil Rajput, Chairperson, ASSOCHAM National CSR Council, spoke about the progress of the ‘Illness to Wellness’ campaign. He said, “The Illness to Wellness campaign was launched in 2014. It has gained significant traction over the past decade and has raised awareness and disseminated information on a host of targeted health topics. Moving forward, we have identified key focus areas that are likely to benefit individuals and society. These include sanitation and hygiene, promoting gut health, using technology to spread awareness about preventive healthcare, addressing the challenges of air pollution, and increasing collaboration between agencies that have done excellent work in disseminating information on health-related issues. The government is also laying a very strong foundation for a healthier India with several initiatives like Fit India, Khelo India, propagation of Yoga, POSHAN Abhiyan, Eat Right India and much more. I believe that with a clearly defined roadmap, we are well on our way towards a well-informed and aware society that will better navigate the health challenges that lie ahead.”

Dr Manoj Kumar Jha, Additional Medical Superintendent, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, acknowledged the role of ASSOCHAM and the industry in promoting health awareness. He said, “The government has launched the Fit India Movement to encourage physical activity and sports, inspiring the younger generation to engage in more outdoor activities instead of being glued to electronic gadgets. Additionally, the Eat Right India Movement promotes healthy eating and reducing the consumption of unhealthy foods. Recently, our honourable Prime Minister advocated for a 10 percent reduction in oil consumption. By making small changes like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and prioritising preventive healthcare through regular check-ups and good hygiene, we can create a healthier, wellness-focused society.”

The ASSOCHAM Awareness Summit focused on disseminating information on key health-related issues, with discussions led by more than 50 specialists and wellness professionals from across the country. The event featured 11 sessions covering topics such as prevention strategies for women’s health, mental and brain health awareness, the impact of chronic diseases among the elderly, ancient wisdom for modern wellness, lifelong heart health, and the effects of air pollution.

The ‘Illness to Wellness’ campaign, introduced in 2014, aims to promote health and well-being through education, collaboration, and sustainable health practices. Over the years, the initiative has included conferences, camps, awareness campaigns, and regular webinars, focusing on raising awareness and providing practical solutions for better health outcomes.