Question : Respiratory Ailments due to Air Pollution

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether various respiratory ailments including acute respiratory infection and related casualties due to air pollution are rising and causing premature deaths in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof indicating the number of cases of respiratory ailments and attributable deaths reported during each of the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise;

(c) whether the Government has conducted any study/survey in this regard, if so, the details and the outcome thereof; and

(d) the remedial measures taken/ proposed to be taken by the Government to prevent various respiratory ailments and ensure adequate medical facilities for the patients along with the funds allocated and utilised for the purpose during the above period?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA)
(a) to (c): While air pollution is known to be one of the aggravating factors for many respiratory ailments, specific information on the number of cases and deaths due to air pollution is not available.

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) had sponsored three epidemiological studies to assess the long term impact of air pollution on human health. The studies indicate several pulmonary and systemic changes, altered immunity and other health impairments associated with cumulative exposure to high level of particulate pollution that increases the risk of various diseases including respiratory diseases. The results are indicative rather than conclusive. The studies assessed the morbidity aspects and not mortality aspects.

As per a survey conducted by Vallabbhai Patel Chest Institute, Delhi in 2006, which covered 5900 adults belonging to urban, rural and slum population in Delhi , 11.69% were found to be suffering from Rhinits and 11.03% from Asthma.

(d): Government has taken measures to control environmental pollution, tightening of vehicular and industrial norms, promotion of cleaner technologies, strengthening of network of air quality monitoring stations, promoting public awareness etc.


Under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, the districts and States have been strengthened by providing additional manpower, training of identified Rapid Response Team (RRT) members for outbreak investigations, strengthening of laboratories for detection of epidemic prone diseases including acute respiratory infections.

Health is a State subject and it is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments for providing health care for the patients including for those suffering from respiratory and other ailments.

The Central Government, however, supplements the efforts of the State Governments. Provisions for health system strengthening are made under the National Health Mission (NHM). Various schemes are also implementing for strengthening the Tertiary Health Care facilities.

Government of India also provides medical facilities for patients through Central Government Hospitals/Institutions in different parts of the country such as All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi, Safdarjung Hospital Delhi, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, JIPMER Puducherry, RIMS Imphal, NEIGRIHMS Shillong, NITRD Delhi, among others.
Details of funds specifically allocated & utilised for prevention of and adequate medical facilities for various respiratory ailments are not maintained centrally.