The Association of Physicians of India – Maharashtra State Chapter (API MSC) has collaborated with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd. to launch National Cough Day on August 29. This initiative aims to create a nationwide dialogue on cough, enhance awareness among patients and healthcare professionals, and promote evidence-based diagnosis and treatment practices. The date marks 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 remain widespread due to the absence of standardized clinical guidelines. The introduction of National Cough Day aims to address this critical gap by promoting evidence-based practices among healthcare professionals and improving patient outcomes.
Dr. Agam Vora, Hon. Joint Secretary of API MSC, stated that cough has been considered a low-involvement health concern for too long, often treated symptomatically rather than scientifically. National Cough Day aims to equip physicians with evidence-based guidelines, enabling early identification and diagnosis of different cough types based on symptoms, and initiating treatment with CDSCO-approved FDCs to ensure better clinical outcomes.
Dr. Mangesh Tiwaskar, Advisor of API MSC, added that National Cough Day is a forward-looking initiative that unites all stakeholders to rethink how we approach cough management. With the launch of India’s first-ever evidence-based guidelines, the initiative sets a benchmark for standardized diagnosis and treatment practices, aiming to improve the quality of life for millions of patients.
The initiative has been conceptualized to bring seriousness to an often low-involvement area like 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 initiative also celebrates his vision of advancing respiratory care in India. Overall, National Cough Day aims to create a significant impact on cough management in India, promoting evidence-based practices and improving patient outcomes.