To Building a Healthier Future: Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai Hosts Asthma Awareness Campaign
by Suman Gupta
10th May 2025, Mumbai: Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital, a leading standalone paediatric healthcare institution in Mumbai, hosted an Asthma Awareness Drive to honor the courage, hope, and strength of children living with asthma. The event brought together survivors, families, and key industry figures for a day featuring drawing competitions, and panel discussions—aimed at raising awareness and encouraging action.
Asthma affects approximately 34.3 million Indians, accounting for about 12.9% of the global asthma burden. An unsettling spike in childhood asthma cases is particularly evident among children aged six to ten years. A systematic review and meta-analysis estimate the prevalence of asthma among Indian children to be around 7.9%. In urban areas like Mumbai, paediatricians note that pollution, weather changes, and allergens contribute to higher occurrence rates, with nearly 10–12% of children affected. Despite its growing incidence, asthma remains widely misunderstood and underdiagnosed, particularly in young children.
The awareness drive witnessed the presence of Chief Guest Mr. Pratik Agarwal, Chairman of Serentica Renewables and Managing Director of Sterlite Power, who joined in support of the cause and addressed asthma as a growing concern and shared his vision for combating climate change through renewable energy, encouraging a healthier, more sustainable future.
Dr. Indu Khosla, Senior Consultant—Pediatric Pulmonology, Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai, said, “We aim to raise awareness about the impact of air pollution on children’s respiratory health. Air pollution remains a major challenge in urban areas, with AQI levels often far exceeding the safe limit of 50. Harmful pollutants from vehicular traffic, construction dust, industrial emissions, and fossil fuel combustion—particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide—trigger widespread inflammation in the body.”
She noted that children are particularly vulnerable due to their developing lungs and higher exposure during outdoor activities. “This puts them at increased risk of asthma, chronic coughing, allergic rhinitis, and long-term lung damage. It is vital to recognize the urgent need for clean air, especially to protect the health and future of our youngest generations,” Dr. Khosla added.
Dr. Zubin Pereira, Facility Director, Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai, said, “It’s not just about raising awareness—it’s about celebrating the courage and strength of children living with asthma. Through comprehensive, compassionate care, we strive to help children breathe easier and live fuller, more active lives. With the support of families, caregivers, and communities, we are building a future where every child with asthma can succeed, pursue their dreams, and experience life without limitations. By working together, we can ensure that the challenges of asthma don’t define a child’s potential.”
The event also highlighted the critical role of collaboration in tackling asthma and improving the lives of affected children. As the prevalence of asthma continues to rise, it’s more important than ever for healthcare providers, industry leaders, and communities to unite in raising awareness, advocating for better care, and pushing for cleaner air. The fight against asthma requires a multi-faceted approach, and it is through such partnerships that we can make meaningful strides toward ensuring that every child has access to the resources they need to live a healthier, more fulfilling life.
About Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai, is a 207-bed premier paediatric healthcare institution providing unmatched, comprehensive, world-class care for infants, children and adolescents. Paediatric super-specialties offered at the Hospital include Critical Care & Emergency Services, Cardiology, Cardiac surgery, Orthopaedics and Spine Surgery, Paediatric Surgery, Bone Marrow Transplant, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Neurosurgery, Neurology, ENT, Neonatology, Neonatal Surgery, Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Clinical Haematology & Haemato Oncology, Cranio-Maxillo Facial Surgery, Thoracic & Vascular Surgery, Paediatric Medicine, Endocrinology, Nephrology, Medical Genetics, Psychiatry, Psychology, Developmental Paediatrics, Rheumatology, Plastic Surgery, Onco Surgery, and Pulmonology. Equipped with advanced technology, it ensures affordable, high-quality medical care, addressing primary, emergency, and complex healthcare needs under one roof.
For more information, visit: https://www.narayanahealth.org/