Pune, April 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.

India is facing a growing health crisis with rising non-communicable diseases, which include asthma and COPD as leading contributors. Factors like poor air quality, industrial emissions, smoking, and unhealthy lifestyles have further exacerbated the issue. Despite progress in medical science, a large number of asthma and COPD cases in India remain undiagnosed, resulting in inadequate disease management and avoidable complications. Alarmingly, nearly 70% of individuals with severe asthma symptoms lack a clinical diagnosis, while an overwhelming 95-98% of COPD cases going undetected, highlighting the urgent need for better awareness, screening, and support.

Emphasizing the need to focus on respiratory health amidst growing challenges, Dr. Vishal Ramesh More, (MBBS, MD Chest), Pune 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. 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.”

Highlighting the need to bridge the gap between awareness and action, doctor added, “Effective management of asthma and COPD starts with early diagnosis and strict adherence to doctor-prescribed treatments. However, stigma, misconceptions around inhalation therapy, and a focus on flare-ups over daily symptoms often leave these conditions poorly controlled. A multifaceted approach is essential, combining awareness with robust support systems to guide patients—from screening to long-term treatment adherence. Initiatives like the Breathefree Yatra are instrumental in empowering patients to overcome barriers, take control of their lung health, and significantly improve their quality of life.”

Cipla’s Breathefree initiative has been instrumental in providing comprehensive support resources for asthma & COPD patients in the areas of screening, counselling, and treatment adherence. From on-ground screening camps to a now AI-enabled Breathefree Digital Educator platform and device training ‘how-to’ videos; Breathefree has evolved into a one-stop support solution for those living with respiratory issues. The Breathefree Yatra is a continuation of these efforts, ensuring that individuals across the country have access to the information and resources they need to breathe freely, regardless of the season. The collaborative approach of awareness and action drives initiatives like Breathefree. Coupled with awareness campaigns like Berok Zindagi and Tuffies, which aim to destigmatize asthma and promote effective treatments – these efforts create a strong network of support for patients.