Cipla Foundation and IISc Forge Landmark Partnership for Respiratory Health
In a significant move to bolster India's healthcare infrastructure, the Cipla Foundation announced a strategic partnership with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) on Wednesday. This collaboration will establish the Cipla Foundation Centre for Pulmonary Medicine at the prestigious Tata IISc Medical School in Bengaluru.
Comprehensive Respiratory Care and Advanced Research Hub
The newly inaugurated centre is designed to be a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory illnesses. It will offer a full spectrum of medical services, including advanced diagnostics, outpatient consultations, inpatient care, a dedicated intensive care unit, and high-dependency services. This integrated approach aims to provide holistic care for patients suffering from various pulmonary conditions.
Beyond clinical services, the centre will serve as a hub for cutting-edge research and innovation. It will focus on developing India-specific clinical guidelines for prevalent respiratory diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), and asthma. Research initiatives will explore biomarkers, pharmacogenomics, AI-based lung diagnostics, and novel therapeutics, positioning India at the forefront of pulmonary medicine advancements.
Addressing India's Respiratory Health Burden
India faces a substantial burden of respiratory illnesses, with COPD and asthma affecting millions nationwide. Contributing factors include escalating air pollution levels, widespread tobacco use, occupational hazards, and limited public awareness about lung health. Compounding this issue is the uneven distribution of specialized care facilities and trained pulmonologists, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, which hinders timely access to quality treatment.
Prof. Govindan Rangarajan, Director of IISc, emphasized the critical nature of this collaboration. He highlighted that respiratory diseases represent one of the most pressing public health challenges for the global population, especially in regions grappling with deteriorating air quality. Through this partnership, the Tata IISc Medical School aims to enhance respiratory care, foster interdisciplinary research, and develop innovative medical solutions that benefit both local communities and the international arena.
Training, Community Outreach, and Equitable Access
The centre will also prioritize capacity building and community engagement. It plans to train pulmonologists and allied healthcare specialists, promote knowledge-sharing through workshops and global collaborations, and drive community programs focused on early screening, air quality awareness, smoking cessation, and preventive lung health measures. These efforts are geared towards creating a robust respiratory health ecosystem that extends beyond hospital walls.
Anurag Mishra, Head of Cipla Foundation, underscored the foundation's commitment to its 'Caring for Life' ethos. He stated that supporting the Centre for Pulmonary Medicine aligns with their mission to stand alongside communities and strengthen public health systems. By integrating care, training, and research, the partnership seeks to bring quality respiratory care closer to people, build essential skills among healthcare professionals, and ensure equitable access for underserved populations. Mishra added that this initiative builds on their work to nurture the next generation of respiratory health leaders, translating innovation into tangible, lasting impact for those most in need.
