INDIAN PHARMACIST ASSOCIATION

Breathefree, a public service initiative by Cipla launched a campaign called ‘asthma alert schools’ in Kolkata to empower teachers and school authorities to handle asthma emergencies in schools. It is the first ever initiative in India through which teachers would be trained to administer first-aid medication during an asthma attack and guided to identify symptoms of asthma in a child and to effectively communicate it to the parent.

The campaign was initiated with 200 teachers from over 40 schools of Kolkata who participated in the first workshop of asthma alert schools and would reach out to many more schools in the coming months.

Reinforcing the importance of the campaign, M Leena Harathi, principal, Andhra Association School said, “Trained through the workshop, we will now work towards minimising triggers of asthma in the classroom and school environment as these are very easy to follow and execute. Also, during school excursions we will definitely ensure that there is a quick relief inhaler that is carried along in the trip.”

Dr Pallab Chatterjee, consultant paediatrician, Columbia Asia Hospital and AMRI Hospitals, Salt Lake emphasised, “We are overwhelmed with the response from schools to the asthma alert schools campaign. The teachers play a huge role in shaping our personalities and often they motivate and influence us way beyond books and classrooms. I’m sure that several children would be benefited through this campaign and for those who are suffering needlessly with the symptoms, their teachers could be instrumental in transforming their quality of life.”

Dr Subhasis Roy, consultant paediatrician, Columbia Asia Hospital and Sishu Sanjeevan Hospital, Salt Lake reinforced, “The first-aid box of every school should have the quick-relief inhaler (reliever medicine) so that in case of an emergency the necessary medication could be administered without delay. About two puffs given to the child every five minutes will ensure that his condition is brought under control even before medical help arrives or the parent is contacted. It is very simple to use device and is highly effective and affordable.”

Commenting on asthma alert schools campaign, M Norman, principal, Assembly of God Church, Tollygunge said, “With asthma episodes becoming more and more frequent with children, today it has become imperative for schools to have a basic understanding of asthma and be prepared to handle an asthma emergency situation. Children spend about five to six hours in school every day and we find a lot of children getting breathless after physical activities or recurrently suffering from cough and cold. We will now definitely discuss these symptoms with the parent so that a child’s health is not compromised. An initiative like this is the need of the hour and will further help the staff to responsibly take care of the children during school hours.”

Asthma is the most common chronic condition in children and today about one out of 10 children in India has asthma. It is the leading cause of school absenteeism and worldwide over 14 million school days are missed each year due to asthma. It could affect a child’s overall development and performance, ability to concentrate or memorise and tire him out easily. Moreover, an asthma episode could escalate and result into death without prompt medical attention. But with awareness and right treatment, it is possible to lead a normal active life with asthma. Therefore, the objective of asthma alert schools is not only to equip teachers to prevent asthma deaths in schools but also for them to help children with asthma understand their triggers and participate fully in all school activities with their asthma under control.

Breathefree is a public service initiative from Cipla which with the support of health professionals aims to reach out to millions suffering from asthma and their families. Breathefree aims to help asthmatics lead fulfilling lives and make them believe that asthma is a disease that can be controlled.