India subsidiary of leading global innovation company, 3M India signs a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Chest Research Foundation (CRF) to collaborate on a research study to generate data that can help give solutions to reduce the increasing cases of asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) and occupational lung diseases. The MoU was signed recently at the CRF headquarters located in Pune, Maharashtra in the presence of representatives from both organizations. Hinged on academic research and industrial expertise, the study will focus on creating awareness among 3500+ pulmonologists in India about the management, prevention and long-term impact of chronic and occupational lung diseases.

Globally, respiratory diseases are the third leading cause of death worldwide, and India bears 32 per cent global burden of respiratory diseases. There is an alarming number of cases reported year-on-year about the high burden of chronic respiratory diseases and high pollution levels across cities in India. Studies have indicated that the number of COPD and asthma were 1.7 and 2.4 times higher respectively, in India than the global average in 2016. Owing to lack of data, infrastructure and skills at the primary and secondary healthcare levels, most of the cases of asthma and COPD remain undiagnosed, and therefore it is of utmost importance to educate the medical fraternity and citizens to enhance early and accurate diagnosis, and proper treatment.

Speaking about the need for accurate diagnosis and proper treatment of respiratory diseases, Dr. Sundeep Salvi, Director, Chest Research Foundation, said, “The cases of patients suffering from COPD and asthma in India, is alarming. Along with the deteriorating air quality in our cities, this number is increasing yearly. At the Chest Research Foundation, we have been studying the situation and our collaboration with 3M will further generate data, especially in the area of respiratory protection at the workplace. We are excited to partner with a leading global organization and hope to build awareness about the growing concerns around chronic respiratory disorders in the country.”

Speaking at the MoU signing in Pune, Debarati Sen, Managing Director 3M India Region (India & Sri Lanka), said, “We are delighted about joining hands with the Chest Research Foundation for a singular cause of utmost importance in India. Our interest in the subject stems from our thirty years of experience of working with industrial workers in India, where we recognize a compelling need to create awareness about using the right apparatus to prevent occupational lung diseases and respiratory disorders. Globally, 3M has been at the vanguard of numerous studies and research in the areas of air pollution, ill effects of exposure and how to protect against exposure to hazardous pollutants, thereby making this collaboration symbiotic.”