HYDERABAD: Cipla Ltd., in an statement said that though some positive movement has been made, a lot of work was still needed to be done to improve disease and treatment awareness on asthma.
A study conducted by Cipla in six non-metro cities to measure the level of awareness on asthma showed that 36 percent of individuals still do not accept inhalers as an effective way to manage asthma, with 40 percent of parents still believing that inhalers are not suitable for children
Dr. Vivek Vardhan Veerapaneni, Consultant Pulmonologist, Hyderabad said,"India accounts for approximately 12 percent of global asthma cases and an alarming 42 percent of asthma-related deaths. This disparity can be attributed to two major barriers: lack of awareness and stigma. Due to a lack of understanding of the disease, patients often fail to recognise symptoms and delay seeking medical treatment."
“Additionally, negative perceptions and stigmas surrounding inhalers, from potential side effects to social embarrassment, further impede proper treatment. To combat this, there needs to be a significant shift in how India views asthma and inhalers through widespread awareness campaigns across the country," he added.
Championed by the #InhalersHainSahi ad film, and further extended through social media the latest phase of Cipla’s largest patient awareness campaign, received over 20 crore views across digital platforms and activities. Through more engaging and newer formats, this latest chapter focuses on increasing awareness about inhalers as a safe and effective mode of treatment for people with asthma.
Tracking the progress of this ambition the study was conducted with a sample size of 2400+ asthmatics and caregivers covering current inhaler user, lapsers and rejectors.
