Ambuja Foundation, Punya Kaarya Foundation Launch Child Lung Health Project in Chandrapur
Mumbai, November 3, 2026: Ambuja Foundation and Punya Kaarya Foundation have launched an Action Research Project across Korpana, Rajura and Jiwati blocks of Maharashtra’s Chandrapur district to address respiratory health disorders among children through awareness, prevention, early identification, treatment and long-term management.
Ambuja Foundation works across 70 villages in the three blocks, reaching approximately 40,000 people from underserved communities, including Scheduled Tribe populations. The project aims to develop a community-based model for lung health by raising awareness about chronic lung diseases, asthma, allergies and tuberculosis, while strengthening local capacity for screening, referral and treatment.
As part of the initiative, specialists and programme teams from both organisations will develop training manuals and educational curricula for Sakhis and frontline health workers. The training will cover identification of risk factors, recognition of early symptoms, appropriate screening methods, preventive measures and timely referral for treatment.
A key component is Lung Sakhi, a digital application designed to help trained community health workers screen children for potential lung health problems and facilitate referrals. Sakhis will also receive training in spirometry, which will enable objective assessment of children identified through community screening.
The project will focus on improving access to essential medicines, including appropriate inhaled medications, through community clinics. Trained paramedical personnel will regularly monitor medicine availability. Standardised protocols, referral pathways and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will also be developed to support consistent respiratory healthcare delivery in rural areas.
A paediatric pulmonologist will provide technical guidance, training and clinical support. The programme will also promote practical measures that families can adopt at home, including respiratory health education and appropriate pulmonary rehabilitation strategies where indicated.
Speaking about the project, Chandrakant Kumbhani, CEO, Ambuja Foundation, said, “Ambuja Foundation is committed to bringing positive change in the lives of rural communities. Through this project in Chandrapur, we want to create awareness among people about the importance of lung health in children and emphasis that early identification and appropriate treatment can significantly improve outcomes. We share strong synergies with Punya Kaarya Foundation and together, we aspire to drive inclusive and meaningful health programs at the grassroot level.”
Dr Indu Khosla, Paediatric Pulmonologist and Founder Director, Punya Kaarya Foundation, said, “Children's lungs are still developing, making early-life exposures particularly important. Children also spend considerable time outdoors and may therefore be exposed to air pollution and other environmental risk factors. Poor lung health during childhood can have consequences that extend well into adult life, including impaired lung growth and an increased risk of chronic respiratory disease. This project is an important step towards bringing early detection, appropriate treatment and preventive lung care closer to rural communities.”
Mr. Sunil Dhawan, Director, Punya Kaarya Foundation and CEO, SSF Plastics India Ltd., also expressed his support for the initiative and committed to fully supporting the project through Punya Kaarya Foundation.
Following the Chandrapur initiative, Ambuja Foundation and Punya Kaarya Foundation plan to explore extending the Lung Sakhi Project to Ropar and Chandigarh in Punjab, where communities face similar respiratory health challenges.
The long-term objective is to develop a replicable community-based model combining digital technology, trained community health workers, spirometry, specialist expertise, teleconsultation and continuous follow-up to improve lung health outcomes among children in underserved communities.
