Mangalore 11th April 2025 , 2025: In its continued commitment to raising awareness about respiratory health and advocating for effective therapy solutions, Cipla Ltd.’s patient support initiative, Breathefree, continues its impactful journey across the country with the Breathefree Yatra. The Yatra is dedicated to helping individuals assess and understand their respiratory health through widespread awareness and direct patient support. Aiming to improve access to screening channels for chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), the Breathefree Yatra has, travelled to more than 335 towns, conducted 6,600+ camps, and supported close to 10 Lakh patients across India.
Emphasizing the need to focus on respiratory health amidst growing challenges, Dr. Megha S.N., Consultant Pulmonologist, Mangalore said, “Millions are exposed daily to harmful levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) from vehicle emissions, industrial pollutants, construction dust, and agricultural waste burning. Additionally, in cities with an Air Quality Index (AQI) above 500, breathing the air is akin to smoking 25-30 cigarettes a day.[1] These factors significantly contribute to the rising respiratory disease burden, while also triggering frequent exacerbations of asthma and COPD. With a focus on empowering patients and caregivers while providing the public with accurate information, initiatives like the Breathefree Yatra address the growing burden of respiratory diseases in India through education, early diagnosis, and patient support.”