Ludhiana Forum for Clean Air launched at DMC&H

Ludhiana, April 19, 2025: DMC&H in collaboration with ‘Lung Care Foundation’ (LCF) launched ‘Ludhiana Forum for Clean Air’ today at Dumra Auditorium, DMC&H. The forum aims to unite doctors, policymakers, environmental experts and citizens to drive awareness and action for cleaner air and it is a major step towards tackling the growing crisis of air pollution and its health impacts.

The chief guest for the event was Bipin Gupta, Secretary, DMC&H Managing Society. Mukesh Verma, Treasurer, DMC&H Managing Society, Dr GS Wander, Principal and Dr Sandeep Kaushal, Dean Academics graced the occasion.

In his inaugural address Sh Bipin Gupta highlighted the responsibility of institutions and citizens in addressing air quality issues and congratulated the whole team for the collaboration.

The program began with a welcome address by Dr. Vivek Gupta, Consultant Cardiac Anaesthesia & Chairperson, Ludhiana Forum for Clean Air. Key speakers included Dr. P.S. Bakhshi, President, DFCA, Punjab and Dr. Rajiv Khurana, Founder Trustee , LFC.

Dr. P.S. Bakshi, Senior Laparoscopic Surgeon and Honorary President of DFCA Punjab, thanked the DMC&H management and administration for their support. He acknowledged the crucial role of the hospital to enhance medical care and fostering a collaborative environment for healthcare professionals.

Dr Rajiv Khurana, Founder Trustee, LCF in his key note address on ‘Air Pollution  and its health  impacts’ shared the serious global issue of air pollution, which affects millions of people every year. He shared that many people die annually due to health problems caused by poor air quality, such as heart disease, stroke, asthma, and lung cancer. He urged everyone to take action by  making small lifestyle changes. He stressed that together, we can make the world healthier and cleaner for future generations.

Dr GS Wander, Principal , DMC&H said that,  the launch of the 'Ludhiana Forum for Clean Air' at DMC&H is not just a step forward in the fight against air pollution, but a collective responsibility to save our future generations. As an institution  we can do research to save our environment because research is the key to unlocking a healthier tomorrow. As doctors, we are not only healers but advocates for a healthier environment  and this forum will provide the platform to combat one of the most important  health challenge of today.

Dr Vivek Gupta said that we are planning to bring this program in action through various forums and especially through Department of Community Medicine Department, DMC&H. He also added that IMA Ludhiana will also be active participated.

A panel discussion was also organized by  eminent professionals including Dr. Akashdeep Singh, Professor & Head of Chest Medicine at DMC&H, Ludhiana, Dr. Puneet Poni, Professor & Head of Pediatrics, Dr. Rajesh Mahajan, Professor & Head of Medicine, and Dr. Dheeraj Aggarwal, President of IMA Ludhiana, who provided critical insights into the medical consequences of air pollution. Joining them were  Jasdev Sekhon, Zonal Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana, and Er. R.K. Ratra from the Punjab Pollution Control Board, who highlighted local government and regulatory efforts to combat pollution. The session also included environmentalist Dr. Supreet Kaur, President, Ecosikh & Environmentalist, Bharat Bir Singh Sobti, Advocate at the Punjab & Haryana High Court, and youth representative Sumer Singh Grewal, who emphasized the role of law, community action, and youth advocacy in addressing the crisis. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Carmin Uppal, Deputy Director of Lung Care Foundation. The event shed light on the urgent need for collective action, from stricter policies to public awareness, to safeguard health and reduce the harmful impact of air pollution on communities.

The forum concluded with the distribution of DFCA Lifetime Membership Certificates to doctors committed to advocating for clean air and public health.