The Association of Physicians of India – Maharashtra State Chapter (API MSC) has announced August 29 as National Cough Day, a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at creating a nationwide dialogue on cough. This initiative is being done in collaboration with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd., a global pharmaceutical company. The date chosen for National Cough Day is the death anniversary of Dr. Ashok Mahasur, a pioneer in respiratory care and the founder of the Indian Chest Society.
According to the European Respiratory Journal, nearly 30% of patients in India reported cough as the second most common symptom. However, misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment are widespread due to the lack of standardized clinical guidelines. The API MSC aims to address this critical gap by promoting evidence-based practices among healthcare professionals and improving patient outcomes.
The organization believes that cough has been considered a low-involvement health concern for too long, often treated symptomatically rather than scientifically. Through National Cough Day, they aim to equip physicians with evidence-based guidelines, enabling early identification and diagnosis of different cough types based on symptoms, and initiating treatment with approved medications.
The initiative has been conceptualized to bring seriousness to the often low-involvement area of cough by involving all stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem, including doctors, patients, retailers, and caregivers. The goal is to spread awareness on better understanding and management of cough-related conditions across the country.
By commemorating Dr. Ashok Mahasur’s contributions, the API MSC also celebrates his vision of advancing respiratory care in India. The launch of India’s first-ever evidence-based guidelines is expected to set a benchmark for standardized diagnosis and treatment practices, ultimately leading to improved quality of life for millions of patients. Overall, National Cough Day is a forward-looking initiative that unites all stakeholders to rethink how we approach cough management and promote better health outcomes.