Save Kochi from asthma attacks

KOCHI: Urbanisation has resulted in an astronomical increase in the health problems being faced by people. Dr S Sachidananda Kamath, former president of Indian Medical Association (Kochi), explains his vision of a ‘Green Kochi’ as a ‘Healthy Kochi,’ where each citizen contributes to the cause.  The city needs to breathe too and a green cover will serve as its lungs. But if the current environmental scenario continues in the city, Kochiites are in for a very unhealthy future. Statistics reveal that there is a 10 per cent increase in the number of asthma patients in Kochi in the past 10 years. There is also an alarming trend of re-emergence of diseases which were hitherto considered to be wiped out. Studies show that the children who live in houses near heavily-used roads are more prone to get respiratory diseases like asthma. The number of patients suffering from various allergies is on the rise. In short, Kochi’s health has been declining rapidly in the past few years.In order to combat the issue, the authorities concerned and the public have to work hand in hand. People must make sure that their house supports some greenery. Depending on the availability of space, every house should have at least a dozen potted plants or a minimum of two trees. This will help purify the air in and around the house. A step that needs to be taken by the government is regarding the emission tests conducted on vehicles. Instead of making it a yearly process, pollution checks should be conducted once in two months so as to ensure reduced levels of vehicular pollution. Another issue that needs immediate attention is that of proper sewage and waste management. It is due to the lack of these systems that there are frequent outbreaks of communicable diseases.Public awareness in this regard is very important. Children should be taught the importance of environmental health right from school. At the same time, the government should ensure that facilities should be provided for people to conduct their duties. Hence, the green initiative should be a combined effort of both the people and the government to move towards a healthy future for Kochi.