Social Impact – Vaayu Chest and Sleep Specialists

VAAYU Occupational Respiratory Illness Clinic (VORIC)

An initiative to improve lung health and prevent chronic diseases.

Respiratory/Pulmonary disease is rising exponentially, with the global COVID pandemic showing us the vulnerability of the Respiratory system. Rising pollution, congestion, allergens, and infections are posing tremendous challenges to Respiratory health, with a worrisome surge in chronic respiratory illnesses. Lung health is closely connected to overall well-being. It has been rightly said, the next decade needs focus on Respiratory health like never before.

What Is The Purpose Of The Clinic?

The camp is a free service that aims to provide comprehensive respiratory health screening and treatment for people who work in occupations that expose them to air pollution, dust, smoke, chemicals, or other harmful substances. These include traffic policemen, mechanics, construction site workers, painters, masons, sweepers, bus drivers, and others. Many of these workers do not have access to regular health care or preventive measures, and may develop chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, or sleep apnea. These conditions can affect their quality of life, productivity, and income, and may lead to premature death.

The camp offers a host of services such as:

Initial vitals’ check, such as blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen saturation
Random blood sugar check, to screen for diabetes
Comprehensive lung function testing, using spirometry and other devices
Specialist consultation with a pulmonologist, who can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications for respiratory diseases
Assessment for sleep apnea and other disorders, using questionnaires and devices
Free medications, whenever required, such as inhalers, steroids, antibiotics, or oxygen therapy

The camp is conducted every week, at different locations, to reach out to as many workers as possible. The camp is open to anyone who works in a high-risk occupation, regardless of their age, gender, or income. The camp is also open to their family members, who may also be affected by second-hand exposure.

What are the benefits to the community?

The camp is not only a service, but also a research project. The camp collects data on the respiratory health status, risk factors, and treatment outcomes of the workers, and analyses them to generate insights and recommendations. The camp aims to:

Improve the awareness and knowledge of the workers and their families about respiratory health and disease prevention
Improve the access and adherence to screening and treatment services for the workers and their families
Improve the quality of life and well-being of the workers and their families
Reduce the burden and cost of respiratory diseases on the workers, their families, and the health system
Influence the policy making and advocacy for occupational health and safety, environmental protection, and social welfare

The camp also collaborates with other stakeholders, such as employers, unions, NGOs, media, and government agencies, to disseminate the findings and recommendations, and to create a supportive environment for the workers and their families.

How can you get involved?

The camp is run by a team of dedicated volunteers, who are passionate about improving respiratory health and making a difference in the community. The volunteers include doctors, nurses, pharmacists, technicians, researchers, students, and others, who donate their time, skills, and resources to the camp. If you are interested in joining the camp as a volunteer, you can contact us at undefined or call us at undefined. We welcome volunteers from any background, if they are committed, reliable, and respectful. We provide training and orientation for all volunteers and assign them to roles that suit their abilities and preferences.

Some of the roles that volunteers can perform are:

Registration and data entry
Vitals’ check and blood sugar check
Data analysis and report writing
Outreach and communication
Logistics and administration

As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people, and contribute to a meaningful cause. You will also receive a certificate of appreciation and recognition for your service.