Centre Asks Hospitals To Set Up CHEST Clinics To Tackle Air Pollution-Linked Diseases

Noting the rising impact of air pollution on vital organs such as the heart and lungs, the Union Health Ministry has issued an updated advisory to all States and Union Territories, directing the establishment of CHEST Clinics in government hospitals and medical colleges to tackled the pollution-related health risks.

The Ministry has cited a sharp rise in respiratory and cardiac cases linked to toxic air exposure, warning that long-term inhalation of pollutants can lead to chronic illnesses such as lung cancer, strokes, and cardiovascular disease.

The advisory, issued under the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH), mandates the creation of dedicated CHEST (Cardio-Respiratory Health Effects Screening and Treatment) Clinics in district hospitals, community and urban health centres, and other government facilities. These clinics will focus on screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients suffering from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases aggravated by poor air quality.

“Air pollution has emerged as a major public health threat, impacting not only the lungs but also the heart, brain, and nervous system,” the Ministry noted, urging citizens to monitor local air quality through the CPCB’s Sameer app and adhere to official advisories.

The Health Ministry has also directed all hospitals to maintain daily patient registers and report cases of air pollution-related illnesses — including asthma, COPD, bronchitis, heart disease, and stroke — through a digital monitoring system. The data will be analysed by District and State Nodal Officers under the NPCCHH for early warning, prevention, and timely response.

Each CHEST Clinic will be linked with Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs) to ensure continued follow-up and long-term care. The facilities have been instructed to maintain adequate supplies of medicines, oxygen cylinders, nebulisers, ventilators, and emergency beds. Medical officers and paramedical staff will also undergo specialised training to manage respiratory and cardiovascular cases associated with high pollution exposure.

Hospitals across the country will act as sentinel sites, monitoring and reporting trends in pollution-linked illnesses on a daily basis. To ensure early identification of vulnerable individuals — including children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with pre-existing lung or heart disease — frontline health workers such as ASHA and ANM staff will conduct door-to-door surveys.

These workers will advise families on preventive measures such as limiting outdoor exposure on high-pollution days, improving indoor ventilation, and using cleaner cooking fuels to reduce household air pollution.

The Centre has also directed States to enforce dust control measures at construction and demolition sites. Local bodies have been told to ensure water sprinkling, material covering, and the provision of masks and protective gear for all workers. Employers must conduct regular health check-ups and training sessions, rotate duties to limit prolonged exposure, and maintain respiratory health records.

As part of the updated advisory, the Health Ministry has recommended that schools up to Class 5 shift to online learning during periods of severe air pollution. Schools have also been instructed to monitor air quality daily and suspend outdoor activities when the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches the “poor” category or higher.

State and district-level Task Forces on Climate Change and Health have been activated to coordinate efforts with pollution control boards, education departments, and local authorities. States have been reminded to strictly implement the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as notified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).