On World COPD Day, Manipal Hospitals Kolkata Launches Smoking Cessation and Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Vaccination Clinics to Boost Respiratory Care

Manipal Hospitals Kolkata observed World COPD Day 2025 with a powerful, action-driven initiative that combined public awareness, expert dialogue, and the launch of Manipal Hospitals’ Smoking Cessation Clinic and the Pulmonary Rehabilitation & Vaccination Clinic, two major additions to its comprehensive respiratory care programme. The event was graced by celebrated cricketer and presenter Jhulan Goswami as Chief Guest, alongside acclaimed filmmaker Goutam Ghose, football icon Goutam Sarkar, MP Saayoni Ghosh and MLA Sujit Bose with distinguished IAS and IPS officers and athletes, whose presence added inspiration and visibility to the cause of lung health.
The newly launched Smoking Cessation Clinic will offer structured counselling, behavioural support, medical management and follow-up to help individuals break nicotine dependence effectively. While the Pulmonary Rehabilitation & Vaccination Clinic aims to strengthen long-term lung function through customised rehabilitation plans, breathing therapy, and scientifically guided vaccination schedules to safeguard high-risk populations from preventable respiratory infections. Together, these initiatives underline Manipal Hospitals’ commitment to early intervention, prevention, and patient-centred pulmonary care.
The programme began with an interactive open forum led by Pulmonology Consultants across Manipal Hospitals Kolkata units. Senior specialists spoke on COPD symptoms, environmental triggers, early detection, smoking cessation, and vaccination. Their insights helped dispel misconceptions and encouraged a proactive approach to respiratory health.
Following the formal inauguration of the clinics, a panel discussion featuring senior pulmonologists served as the highlight of the event. The discussion delved into the growing burden of COPD, the behavioural and clinical dimensions of smoking cessation, and the increasing importance of preventive vaccinations for pulmonary diseases. The panel comprised Dr. Debraj Jash – Director – Pulmonology, Manipal Hospitals Kolkata, Dr. Suranjan Mukherjee, Senior Consultant – Respiratory Medicine / Pulmonology, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Dr. Arnab Bera, Consultant – Pulmonology, Manipal Hospital Saltlake, Dr. Moumita Chatterjee, Consultant – Pulmonology, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass and Dr. Ayush Goel, Consultant – Pulmonology, Manipal Hospitals Dhakuria and EM Bypass. The session blended evidence-based guidance with practical insights for both clinicians and the public.
During the panel discussion, Dr. Debraj Jash, shared, “The launch of the Smoking Cessation Clinic is a vital step forward, especially when India accounts for nearly 12% of the world’s smokers and sees over 1 million smoking-related deaths every year as per WHO. Smoking remains the biggest driver of COPD, which today affects more than 55 million people in India. Helping individuals quit through structured counselling and medical support significantly improves success rates and slows disease progression. With the addition of our Pulmonary Rehabilitation & Vaccination Clinic, we can now offer a comprehensive pathway that strengthens lung function, reduces hospitalisations, and improves overall quality of life. These services reaffirm our commitment to building a healthier, more informed community.”
Dr. Suranjan Mukherjee, stated, “Lung health often goes unnoticed until symptoms become difficult to manage, which is why preventive care is essential. Vaccination plays a major role in protecting the lungs from serious infections that can worsen COPD, asthma, and other chronic respiratory conditions. Adults above 50, individuals with chronic lung disease, smokers, and those with weakened immunity should strongly consider vaccines such as the Influenza vaccine (annually) and the Pneumococcal vaccines, which offer long-term protection against pneumonia and invasive bacterial infections. Younger adults with risk factors, including asthma, smoking habits, or frequent respiratory infections, also benefit from timely vaccination. By promoting awareness about routine respiratory vaccines and the right age to receive them, we hope to equip people and families with the knowledge they need to safeguard their lungs and prevent avoidable complications.”
Dr. Ayanabh Debgupta, Regional COO (East), Manipal Hospitals, added, “COPD continues to be one of India’s most serious respiratory health concerns, contributing to nearly 10% of all deaths in the country, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). At Manipal Hospitals, we are focused on improving access to timely and preventive respiratory care. The launch of the Smoking Cessation Clinic and the Pulmonary Rehabilitation & Vaccination Clinic will help patients receive the right guidance, early support, and continuous care under one system. Our aim is to help people manage lung diseases better, reduce complications, and build a healthier community with strong, reliable pulmonary services.”
With the launch of these specialised pulmonary services, Manipal Hospitals Kolkata strengthens its commitment to preventive and comprehensive respiratory care. By combining smoking cessation support, pulmonary rehabilitation, and vaccination services, the hospital aims to help individuals manage lung diseases more effectively.