PCAAC
Welcome to the homepage of PCAACs (Praana Charitable Allergy Asthma Clinic).
Introduction: PRAANA is a Sanskrit word and it means 'BREATHE FOR LIFE'. Hence this is a 'BREATHING CLINIC' and it is a charitable/subsidized undertaking of International Asthma Services (IAS) (www.globalchestinitiatives.org), a 501 c-3 registered charity in the state of Colorado, U S A. The founder and architect of Praana Charitable Allergy Asthma Clincs (PCAACs) is Dr Pudupakkam K Vedanthan (PK), a Board certified Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAI) specialist settled in Fort Collins, Colorado USA.
History: Dr PK has been formulating the concept of a PCAAC for several decades. The main hurdle was the lack of basic infrastructure and qualified specialists in the field of allergy and asthma. This issue has been addressed successfully in the past 15 years with the advent of training programs and post graduate diploma courses at Christian Medical College, Vellore and more recently at Sir Gangaram Hospital and Research Center, Delhi.
Inspite of these advancements, Dr PK was noting the paucity of adequate care among the socioeconomically disadvantaged populations in several parts of India and beyond. Hence the model of PCAAC came into practice for the FIRST time in 2017 under the leadership of Dr Savitha Ramaraj, Professor of Pediatrics at Mysore Medical College and Research Center (MMCRI), Mysore the almamater of Dr PK and his other family members including his father.
Due to the success and popularity of the PCAAC at MMCRI, the second clinic was inaugurated at Jodhpur, Rajasthan under the leadership of Dr Dan Purushotam. Recently with the advent of the Covid Pandemic there has been huge disruptions in people's livelihood, the health infrastructure as well as the overall economy of the countries across the globe, India being no exception.
Due to this change of the healthcare scenario especially in his homeland of India, Dr PK decided to expand the Praana concept. He approached around fifty alumni of different AAI training programs in India. The response was overwhelming and very soon around 30 physicians across various parts of India as well as Nepal and far reaching places like Barbados in the Caribbeans took up the cause of establishing a Praana Clinic at their local medical practices.
Hence the PCAAC movement, born in 2017, has matured over the past four years and now has mushroomed across India and beyond.
Who Supports PCAAC? 1. The participating physicians and their staff; 2. Local communities; 3. International Asthma Services (IAS) Colorado, USA; 4. Colorado Allergy Asthma Society USA; 5. Vedantha Charities (R) Bangalore & Mysore, India; 5. Pharma companies: Allcure, Delhi. Clinimed Allergy Solutions, Bangalore.
Our Vision: To establish 100 PCAACs throughout India and beyond by 2025.
Introduction: PRAANA is a Sanskrit word and it means 'BREATHE FOR LIFE'. Hence this is a 'BREATHING CLINIC' and it is a charitable/subsidized undertaking of International Asthma Services (IAS) (www.globalchestinitiatives.org), a 501 c-3 registered charity in the state of Colorado, U S A. The founder and architect of Praana Charitable Allergy Asthma Clincs (PCAACs) is Dr Pudupakkam K Vedanthan (PK), a Board certified Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAI) specialist settled in Fort Collins, Colorado USA.
History: Dr PK has been formulating the concept of a PCAAC for several decades. The main hurdle was the lack of basic infrastructure and qualified specialists in the field of allergy and asthma. This issue has been addressed successfully in the past 15 years with the advent of training programs and post graduate diploma courses at Christian Medical College, Vellore and more recently at Sir Gangaram Hospital and Research Center, Delhi.
Inspite of these advancements, Dr PK was noting the paucity of adequate care among the socioeconomically disadvantaged populations in several parts of India and beyond. Hence the model of PCAAC came into practice for the FIRST time in 2017 under the leadership of Dr Savitha Ramaraj, Professor of Pediatrics at Mysore Medical College and Research Center (MMCRI), Mysore the almamater of Dr PK and his other family members including his father.
Due to the success and popularity of the PCAAC at MMCRI, the second clinic was inaugurated at Jodhpur, Rajasthan under the leadership of Dr Dan Purushotam. Recently with the advent of the Covid Pandemic there has been huge disruptions in people's livelihood, the health infrastructure as well as the overall economy of the countries across the globe, India being no exception.
Due to this change of the healthcare scenario especially in his homeland of India, Dr PK decided to expand the Praana concept. He approached around fifty alumni of different AAI training programs in India. The response was overwhelming and very soon around 30 physicians across various parts of India as well as Nepal and far reaching places like Barbados in the Caribbeans took up the cause of establishing a Praana Clinic at their local medical practices.
Hence the PCAAC movement, born in 2017, has matured over the past four years and now has mushroomed across India and beyond.
Who Supports PCAAC? 1. The participating physicians and their staff; 2. Local communities; 3. International Asthma Services (IAS) Colorado, USA; 4. Colorado Allergy Asthma Society USA; 5. Vedantha Charities (R) Bangalore & Mysore, India; 5. Pharma companies: Allcure, Delhi. Clinimed Allergy Solutions, Bangalore.
Our Vision: To establish 100 PCAACs throughout India and beyond by 2025.
Praana clinic becomes a registered trademark in india
Volunteers contribute in various ways, and the partner of a CME graduate worked tirelessly over several years to obtain a patent for our PCAAC initiative (Praana Charitable Allergy and Asthma Clinics). See the registered document below by clicking on the pdf link!
2023-09-25_order_of_acceptance_pcaa-001-tm-in.pdf
2023-09-25_order_of_acceptance_pcaa-001-tm-in.pdf
PRAANA Asthma Allergy Camps in 2023
FREE PRAANA ALLERGY ASTHMA CAMP by DR. DAN PURUSHOTAM in RAJASTHAN with CIPLA
Dr. Dan Purushotam, a committed physician and volunteer, organized with the help of Cipla Breathe Free Team another free PRAANA Allergy & Asthma clinic on November 26, 2023. A total of 13 patient were treated and spirometry was performed 11 time. All medicines were distributed free of charge as part of the Government of Rajasthan program called Mukhyamantri Nishulk Yojna.
FREE PRAANA ALLERGY ASTHMA CAMP by DR. CHANDRA JOSEPH in TAMIL NADU
A free PRAANA Charitable Allergy and Asthma camp was conducted on October 31, 2023 by Dr. Chandra Joesph in Tamil Nadu, India. All eleven of the patients who attended had spirometry done and three patients had allergy skin-testing done. Usage of sublingual immunotherapy, inhalers, and nasal sprays was suggested. All patients were advised treatment depending on their individual complaints and clinical conditions.
FREE PRAANA ALLERGY ASTHMA CAMP by DR. CHANDRA JOSEPH in TAMIL NADU
A free PRAANA Charitable Allergy and Asthma camp was conducted on September 26, 2023 by Dr. Chandra Joesph in Tamil Nadu, India. All five of the patients who attended had spirometry done and three patients had allergy skin-testing done. Chest X-rays were taken on one patient free of charge. Sublingual immunotherapy was suggested for two patients, and inhalers, nasal sprays, and montelukast where given to four patients for treating skin allergy (Eczema). Additionally, they were given anti-histamine tablets for use at night, as well as liquid paraffin for use during the daytime and steroid ointment for use at night. Four patients experienced nasal allergy and allergic rhino-sinusitis; two of them had skin allergy; and, one patient had severe persistent asthma. Spirometry was done on all patients and a detailed history for each of them was collected.
FREE PRAANA ALLERGY ASTHMA CAMP by DR. VIJAYSHREE GATTANI in JODHPUR, RAJASTHAN
On 24th, May 2023, Dr. Vijayshree Gattani, ENT Specialist, conducted the PRAANA Allergy & Asthma camp at Gattani Hospital, on Banar Main Road, in Jodhpur. She was assisted by her dedicated hospital staff and Cipla representatives. The clinic was open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM , and a total of 25 patients were seen. Of those patients, 19 of them underwent allergy skin testing and 10 patients had spirometry performed. All services were rendered FREE of all charges.
We thanks International Asthma Services/Saahns and the PRAANA Clinic initiative for providing this wonderful opportunity to serve the needy.
We thanks International Asthma Services/Saahns and the PRAANA Clinic initiative for providing this wonderful opportunity to serve the needy.
ALLERGY & ASTHMA CAMP by DR. PK VEDANTHAN & GROUP in DHARWAD, KARNATAKA
A subsidized Allergy and Asthma camp was conducted on Sunday, 26th March, 2023, by Dr. Rajan Deshpande and Dr. PK Vedanthan at the Vithal Institute of Child Health in Dharwad, Karnataka. The volunteer physicians and technical staff evaluated a total of 85 patients. Among those patients, 65 allergy skin tests were performed and 38 spirometry were conducted. Additionally, an educational session was held inside the auditorium of the institute, where patients and their families actively participated in the informational sessions.
FREE PRAANA ALLERGY ASTHMA CAMP by DR. KARAMBIR GILL in LUDHIANA, PUNJAB
Dr. Karambir Gill conducted a FREE PRAANA Allergy and Asthma Camp in Ludhiana, a rural setting in Punjab. Approximately 125 children were evaluated, and 25 spirometry were completed. It was an excellent success and we appreciate the dedication and efforts of Dr. Gill and his supportive staff, as well as pharmaceutical representatives.
FREE PRAANA ALLERGY ASTHMA CAMP by DR. JENISH RAJMA in MADURAI, TAMIL NADU
Dr. Jenish Rajma conducted the first FREE PRAANA Allergy and Asthma camp in Madurai, Tamil Nadu in March 2023. Five patients were evaluated free of charge. Thanks to all of the volunteers.
30th FREE PRAANA ALLERGY ASTHMA CAMP by DR. DAN PURUSHOTAM in MANDORE, RAJASTHAN
Dr. Dan Purushotam, Family Physician & Allergy Specialist and a highly dedicated physician-volunteer, conducted the 30th FREE PRAANA Camp on January 27, 2023 at the Government District Hospital in Mandore, a historical town located near Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India. A total of 15 patients came for consultation, and 11 spirometry tests were completed.
FREE PRAANA ALLERGY ASTHMA CAMP by DR. CHANDRA JOSEPH in TAMIL NADU
A free PRAANA Allergy and Asthma camp was conducted on January 24, 2023 by Dr. Chandra Joesph in Tamil Nadu, India. A total of four patients received medical services. All four of them had nasal allergy and allergic rhino-sinustis, two of them had skin allergy, and one patient had severe persistent asthma. Spirometry was done on all of four patients. A detailed history for each of them was collected.
PRAANA Asthma Allergy Camps in 2022
PRAANA ASTHMA ALLERGY AWARENESS CAMP by DR. VYAKARNAM in HYDERABAD, TELENGANA
A well-known Pulmonologist Allergist from Hyderabad Telengana , Dr. Vykarnam is a born activist and medical journalist, in addition to having successfully opened departments of AAI in two separate corporate hospital complexes. This is a remarkable achievement and he deserves a lot of credit. His compassion for the poor and needy continues in parallel by providing charitable services to the needy through the PRAANA clinics initiative (Please see pictures below).
PRAANA ALLERGY ASTHMA CAMP by DR. DAN QURESHI in OLD DELHI
A first of a kind in the walled city of Old Delhi, the Chest Allergy and Asthma Camp was conducted at Dr. Qureshi's Health & Wellness Clinic, Delhi in association with Praana Charitable Allergy Asthma Initiative, Colorado USA on Saturday, June 18 from 10 AM to 1:30 PM (time was extended due to the huge foot traffic of patients).
Free OPD consultations were completed by Dr. Danish Qureshi, Family Physician & Allergy Specialist, and free consultations were offered with an asthma counselor supported by a clinic manager, two clinic attendants and two phlebotomists. Special emphasis was given on: Screening; educating the community about asthma and its triggers, usage of inhaler devices, and safety of inhaled medicines; encouraging use of peak flow meters at home to avoid serious medical situations; and, increasing awareness of AST and immunotherapy.
Data:
This would not have been possible without the able support of my mentor, Dr. P.K. Vedanthan, and my DAA colleague, Dr. Dan Purushotam.
Free OPD consultations were completed by Dr. Danish Qureshi, Family Physician & Allergy Specialist, and free consultations were offered with an asthma counselor supported by a clinic manager, two clinic attendants and two phlebotomists. Special emphasis was given on: Screening; educating the community about asthma and its triggers, usage of inhaler devices, and safety of inhaled medicines; encouraging use of peak flow meters at home to avoid serious medical situations; and, increasing awareness of AST and immunotherapy.
Data:
- Total of 63 patients sought consultation varying from the ages of 10 to 82 years;
- Patients included 44 males and 19 females;
- 10 patients (new and follow-up) were diagnosed with asthma and chest allergies;
- 17 patients had experienced under-evaluation for chest allergies, COPD and asthma;
- 36 patients experienced "other" medical conditions;
- 60 patients were given PEFR screening;
- 45 patients tested for blood sugar or hemoglobin
- 15 patients received counseling on asthma and chest allergy
This would not have been possible without the able support of my mentor, Dr. P.K. Vedanthan, and my DAA colleague, Dr. Dan Purushotam.
ALLERGY ASTHMA CAMP by DR. KHUZEMA FURNITUREWALA in MHOW, M.P. for POLICE PERSONNEL
A dedicated and passionate Pulmonologist Allergist in Khow, Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Furniturewala offered a free asthma and allergy camp for the local police force. This soft-spoken physician is highly active in providing free and professional medical services to various sectors of his community and the surrounding areas.
ALLERGY ASTHMA CAMP at ENT & ALLERGY CARE CLINIC by DR. P LAKSHMI in BENGALURU, KARNATAKA
Inauguration of the PRAANA clinic by Dr Gayatri Pandit, a well know ENT surgeon and allergist and Dr. P Lakshmi in Bengaluru. Both the doctors are alumni of IAS sponsored AAI training programs in India.
ALLERGY ASTHMA CAMP at PRAANA CLINIC by DR. CHANDRA JOSEPH in THANJAVUR, TAMIL NADU
After a successful inauguration of a Praana Clinic in 2021, Dr. Chandra Joseph continues to offer free medical services to treat patients suffering from allergies and asthmatic conditions.
PRAANA Asthma Allergy Camps in 2021
Free services at first PRAANA CLINIC in T.N. by DR. CHANDRA JOSEPH in THANJAVUR, TAMIL NADU
Dr. Chandra Joseph, MD, DAA, a qualified and certified allergy asthma specialist, established the FIRST PCAAC in Tamil Nadu at Thanjavur on Tuesday Dec 28th, 2021. She was assisted by her dedicated office staff. The free clinic lasted from 10 AM -4 PM. Ten patients were evaluate comprehensively. Allergy skin-testing and Spirometry were performed. Patients also had educational interactions with Dr Chandra Joseph, her staff, as well as the Cipla representative.
PRAANA CHARITABLE ALLERGY ASTHMA CAMP by DR. SHILPA NAYAK in MUMBAI
Dr. Shilpa Nayak, M.D., DAA, DPAA is a certified Allergy Asthma Specialist who conducted the PRAANA charitable allergy asthma awareness camp at her office in Mumbai on Tuesday, 16th November, 2021. She was assisted by her dedicated staff as well as an energetic volunteer Dr Sita Shivaram. A total of 27 patients in the age range of 17-78 years were evaluated in detail, and personally examined and advised by the doctor. 15 patients underwent AST and 8 of them had PFT performed. All the services were rendered FREE OF ANY CHARGES. The clinic started at 9 AM lasted till 3 PM.
PRAANA ALLERGY ASTHMA CAMP by DR. GAYATRI PANDIT in BENGALURU
Dr. Gayatri Pandit, an ENT Allergy Asthma Specialist conducted the PRAANA AA camp in Bangalore to celebrate her birthday on November 22.
- Number of patients seen: 7
- Number of AST done: 2
- Number of Spirometry: 2
First PRAANA ALLERGY ASTHMA CAMP at MUMBAI ALLERGY CENTER by DR. SUNITA SHUKLA in MUMBAI
Dr. Sunita Shukla, ENT Allergy Asthma Specialist at Mumbai Allergy Center conducted the FIRST PRAANA charitable Asthma Allergy Awareness Camp on her birthday, November 16. She was assisted by her staff, as well as Dr. Sita Shivaram, a retired Microbiologist who is a willing and dedicated volunteer. Following is the report from Dr Shukla.
Mumbai Allergy Centre in association with PRAANA Charitable Allergy Asthma Clinic (PCAAC), USA conducted its world's first free allergy camp for creating awareness & education on MAC Allergy Day. The day started with Lord's prayer.
We provided free Consultation, Skin prick test and Spirometry to 18 patients.
We had:
Consultant-1
Staff- 5
Spirometry technician/Educator - 1
Volunteer- Mrs Sita
The happiness and satisfaction of this free charity camp on my birthday will be cherished for a long time.
I thank Dr PKV for this noble initiative, my husband, family, friends and my staff member for their never ending support. We thank Mrs Sita for volunteering, Mr Nitin Sharma, Allcure for providing free SPT allergens and Mr Bharat Rao, Cipla for the spirometer and educator.
On behalf of the PRAANA initiative, IAS thanks Dr Shukla, her staff and Dr. Sita for the wonderful work and service provided to the needy.
Mumbai Allergy Centre in association with PRAANA Charitable Allergy Asthma Clinic (PCAAC), USA conducted its world's first free allergy camp for creating awareness & education on MAC Allergy Day. The day started with Lord's prayer.
We provided free Consultation, Skin prick test and Spirometry to 18 patients.
We had:
Consultant-1
Staff- 5
Spirometry technician/Educator - 1
Volunteer- Mrs Sita
The happiness and satisfaction of this free charity camp on my birthday will be cherished for a long time.
I thank Dr PKV for this noble initiative, my husband, family, friends and my staff member for their never ending support. We thank Mrs Sita for volunteering, Mr Nitin Sharma, Allcure for providing free SPT allergens and Mr Bharat Rao, Cipla for the spirometer and educator.
On behalf of the PRAANA initiative, IAS thanks Dr Shukla, her staff and Dr. Sita for the wonderful work and service provided to the needy.
List of participating physicians offering free medical services through Praana Clinics.
- Dr. Ankit Singhal, Delhi, Delhi, India
- Dr. B. Antony Benedict, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
- Dr. B. Antony Terrance, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
- Dr. B.V. Balachandra, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
- Dr. Chandra Joseph, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
- Dr. Chandan Baranwal, Lalitpur, Nepal
- Dr. Dan Purushotam, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
- Dr. Dan Qureshi, Delhi, India
- Dr. Dhiraj Gupta, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Dr. Gayatri Pandit, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
- Dr. Ghulam Hassan, Srinagar, Kashmir, India
- Dr. Jenish Rajma, Madhurai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Dr. Kandamaran Krishnamurthy, Barbados, Barbados, West Indies
- Dr. Karambir Gill, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
- Dr. Khuzema Furniturewala, Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, India
- Dr. Mahesh K. Gautam, Kathmandu, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Dr. Manpreet Singh Nanda, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
- Dr. Mukesh Gupta, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
- Dr. Narmada Ashok, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
- Dr. Nayan Deka, Guwahati, Assam, India
- Dr. Neeraj Gupta, Delhi, Delhi, India
- Dr. P. Lakshmi, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
- Dr. Parin Parmar, Rajkot, Gujarat, India
- Dr. Pradeep Sivaraj, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
- Dr. Rama Rajyam, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
- Dr. Saibal Moitra, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- Dr. Sanjay Pawar, Karad, Maharashtra, India
- Dr. Savitha Ramaraj, Mysore, Karnataka, India
- Dr. Shilpa Nayak, Andheri, Mumbai, India
- Dr. Sonia Bhatt, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Dr. Sowmya Nagarajan, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
- Dr. Sunita Shukla, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Dr. Taha Ashraf Qureshi, Srinagar, Kashmir, India
- Dr. Vijayshree Gattani, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
- Dr. Vyakarnam Nageshwar, Hyderabad, Telengana, India
- Dr. Zareen Mohamed, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India