Cipla Foundation partners Tata IISc Medical School to set up Centre for Pulmonary Medicine to Advance Respiratory Care & Research

New Delhi: Cipla Foundation has announced its partnership with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to support the establishment of a state-of-the-art Cipla Foundation Centre for Pulmonary Medicine at the Tata IISc Medical School in Bengaluru.

The Centre will offer diagnostics, outpatient and inpatient services, a dedicated ICU, and high-dependency units to deliver cutting-edge treatment for respiratory illnesses.

The Centre for Pulmonary Medicine will strengthen India’s respiratory health ecosystem through early diagnosis and advanced research, as well as skill development. It will support the development of India-specific guidelines for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), and asthma, alongside research in biomarkers, pharmacogenomics, AI-based lung diagnostics, and therapeutics. The Centre will also train pulmonologists and allied specialists, promote knowledge-sharing through workshops and global collaborations, and drive community programs on early screening, air quality awareness, smoking cessation, and preventive lung health.

India continues to carry a significant burden of respiratory illnesses, including COPD and asthma, making lung health an important public health focus. Factors such as rising air pollution, tobacco use, occupational exposure, and limited awareness contribute to this challenge. At the same time, the availability of trained pulmonologists and specialised care facilities remains uneven, particularly outside of major cities, affecting timely access to quality respiratory care.

Anurag Mishra, Head, Cipla Foundation, said, “At Cipla Foundation, ‘Caring for Life’ means standing alongside communities and strengthening the public health systems they depend on. Our support for the Centre for Pulmonary Medicine at IISc is rooted in this belief, bringing quality respiratory care closer to people while building the skills and capabilities needed to serve them better. As respiratory illnesses continue to affect millions, particularly the most vulnerable, this partnership builds on our work to nurture the next generation of respiratory health leaders. By linking care, training and research, we aim to ensure that innovation translates into real, lasting impact for communities that need it the most.”

Emphasising the long-term impact of the collaboration, Prof. Govindan Rangarajan, Director, IISc, said, “Respiratory diseases are among the most pressing public health challenges for the ‘next 7 billion people’, particularly in regions facing worsening air quality. Through our partnership with Cipla Foundation, the Tata IISc Medical School will strengthen respiratory care, interdisciplinary research, and innovative medical solutions discovered and nurtured in India for local and global benefit. This collaboration will also enable the training of healthcare professionals while ensuring equitable access for underserved populations.”