Uniting India’s Health Professionals for
Clean Air and Climate Action
Overview of DFCA
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Doctors for Clean Air and Climate Action (DFCA) is a distinguished network of healthcare professionals leading the fight against air pollution to ensure India breathes clean air for better health. By mobilizing doctors as key agents of change, DFCA empowers them to address the air pollution crisis and advocate for a healthier, sustainable future.
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Launched on December 4, 2018, DFCA united over 40 senior doctors—including pulmonologists, surgeons, paediatricians, and gynaecologists—from every state in India. These medical leaders became Clean Air Champions, driving solutions to mitigate air pollution’s health impacts.
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Today, our initiative is backed by top office bearers from 21 leading National Medical Associations, representing over 3 lakh specialists, committing to the cause of Clean Air for All.
An Initiative of
Health Care Without Harm is a global organization empowering healthcare sectors to reduce environmental impact and promote health on a sustainable planet
Supported by
Clean Air Fund is a global philanthropic organization driving clean air initiatives, supporting affected communities, and empowering decision-makers worldwide
Our Focus
Advocating for Clean Air
Clean air is fundamental to public health and the environment, yet its importance is often overlooked. As air pollution continues to rise, its harmful impact on health becomes more evident, demanding immediate action. Our advocacy efforts focus on raising awareness of these health risks, pushing for stronger regulations, and promoting sustainable solutions to improve air quality. By empowering doctors as advocates, we strive to create environments where everyone can breathe safely. Their leadership is essential in driving change and ensuring that the importance of clean air is recognized and prioritized in both public policy and everyday practices.
Advocating for Climate Action
Climate change poses a direct threat to public health, with rising global temperatures and extreme weather events worsening respiratory, cardiovascular, and mental health conditions. Health professionals play a crucial role in highlighting these impacts, both immediate and long-term. By advocating for policies that address the health risks of climate change, doctors help drive systemic change. They also educate the public on the health benefits of climate action, urging sustainable practices and reducing carbon footprints for a healthier future.
Our Values
Commitment to Public Health
Science-Driven Advocacy
Collaborative Efforts
Education for Empowerment
Our Journey
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2018
Launched on December 4, DFCA brought together over 40 senior doctors—including pulmonologists, surgeons, paediatricians, and gynaecologists—from every Indian state. These medical leaders became Clean Air Champions, pioneering efforts to address the health impacts of air pollution and driving actionable solutions nationwide.
2019
We rapidly expanded our reach, with leading doctors from several states launching local chapters in 10 states and taking ownership of clean air initiatives. National medical associations also joined forces, strengthening the movement and amplifying efforts to combat air pollution’s growing health crisis.
2020
We brought together 18 National Medical Associations at the Leadership Conclave for Clean Air, igniting powerful discussions, exchanging groundbreaking strategies, and building a unified action plan to combat air pollution. Amid the COVID-19 crisis, we stepped up as a lifeline—distributing essential medicine kits, protective masks, and resources while amplifying awareness through impactful videos, ensuring no community was left vulnerable.
2021
Our landmark study linked air pollution to asthma and obesity. During the COVID-19 crisis, our experts delivered life-saving information, viewed by millions. United South Asia’s health community on air pollution, began training medical students and engaged global platforms like COP26 to drive change.
2022
Became part of the expert group on air pollution and health under NCDC, MoHFW. Through the Forum for Clean Air, we expanded action in cities like Jalandhar, Kanpur, Ghaziabad, Indore, and Guwahati among others. Dr. Arvind Kumar's powerful video on air pollution’s health impacts, featured by the World Economic Forum, garnered over 2 million views!
2023
Continued engaging policymakers in different states to drive urgent action. Sustained engagement with NMAs led the Cardiology Society of India to establish a subcommittee for research on air pollution. Sensitized medical students across the country to enable future doctors to factor in air pollution while making disease diagnoses. Empowered journalists to produce impactful stories on air pollution and health. Dr. Arvind highlighted air pollution and its grave health impacts at the World Health Summit and was a part of COP28’s inaugural Health Day.
2024
Sensitised over 500 young health professionals on the critical link between air pollution and health. A groundbreaking achievement was the establishment of the first-ever ‘Air Pollution and Environment Committee’ under the Indian Medical Association, Punjab State Branch, driven by DFCA’s persistent efforts. Through the Noida Forum for Clean Air, DFCA became a key member of the District Task Force on Air Pollution and Health under the National Program on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH). Additionally, the launch of the DFCA Orientation Kit for Doctors equipped medical professionals to take an active role in combating air pollution and safeguarding public health.
What Our Doctors Say
Supporting Medical Associations
