PCAAC
PRAANA Charitable Allergy Asthma ClinicsWelcome to the homepage of PCAAC (PRAANA Charitable Allergy Asthma Clinics)
Introduction: PRAANA is a Sanskrit word meaning 'Breathe for Life'. It is therefore aptly named a 'Breathing Clinic' — a charitable and subsidised undertaking of International Asthma Services (IAS) (Saahns.org), a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organisation in the state of Colorado, USA. The founder and architect of PRAANA Charitable Allergy and Asthma Clinics (PCAACs) is Dr. Pudupakkam K. Vedanthan (Dr. PK), a Board-certified Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAI) specialist based in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
History
Dr. PK has been developing 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 challenge has been addressed successfully over the past 15 years through training programmes and postgraduate diploma courses at Christian Medical College, Vellore, and more recently at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and Research Centre, Delhi.
Despite these advancements, Dr. PK observed a scarcity of adequate care among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations in several parts of India and beyond. Accordingly, the PCAAC model was put into practice for the first time in 2017, under the leadership of Dr. Savitha Ramaraj, Professor of Paediatrics at Mysore Medical College and Research Centre (MMCRI), Mysore — the alma mater of Dr. PK and several of his family members, including his father.
Following the success and popularity of the PCAAC at MMCRI, a second clinic was inaugurated in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, under the leadership of Dr. Dan Purushotam. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were significant disruptions to livelihoods, healthcare infrastructure, and economies across the globe, India being no exception.
In response to this shift in the healthcare landscape, particularly in India, Dr. PK resolved to expand the PRAANA concept. He reached out to approximately fifty alumni of various AAI training programmes in India. The response was overwhelming, and within a short time, approximately 30 physicians across India, Nepal, and as far afield as Barbados in the Caribbean took up the cause of establishing a PRAANA clinic within their local medical practices.
Thus, the PCAAC movement, born in 2017, has matured considerably over the years and has now flourished across India and beyond.
Who Supports PCAAC?
The PCAAC initiative is generously supported by:
- The participating physicians and their staff
- Local communities
- International Asthma Services (IAS), Colorado, USA
- Colorado Allergy Asthma Society, USA
- Vedantha Charities (R), Bangalore and Mysore, India
- Pharmaceutical company partners: Allcure, Delhi, and Clinimed Allergy Solutions, Bangalore
Our Vision: To establish 100 PCAACs throughout India and beyond by 2025.
- Moi University: Allergy Asthma Dept: Electronic Spirometer, 1200 Peak flow meters, Piko 6 Hand held Spirometers (7/24)
- International Medical Relief(IMR): 1100 Peak Flow meters, 750 Piko 6 Handheld Spirometers (7/25)
- Estimated Cost of the Donations : ~ $ 150,000
- IAS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD for the YEAR 2025
- Dr ROHIT N KATIAL Professor of Medicine Director: Center for Clinical Immunology National Jewish Health
- University of Colorado
- Denver Colorado USA
Born in China, completed education and training in the USA. Earned an undergraduate degree and completed medical education at Georgetown University, Washington, DC, followed by a Certificate Program in Health Economics & Outcomes Research at the University of Washington. Completed postgraduate training in Internal Medicine, an Allergy & Immunology (AAI) Fellowship, and Laboratory Immunology. Served for 13 years in the U.S. Medical Corps. Held academic leadership positions as Fellowship Director at National Jewish Health (NJH), Denver, and Chair of the ACGME Residency & Fellowship Committee. Recognized as a Fellow of the AAAAI and ACAAI. Currently serves as Associate Vice President of Education, Director of the Center for Clinical Immunology, and holds the Irene & Dr. Abraham E. Goldminz Chair in Immunology and Respiratory Medicine at National Jewish Health (NJH), Denver.
Regarding the PRAANA free Asthma camp conducted at my clinic, six patients attended on 28th November 2023.
- All six patients underwent spirometry testing.
- Allergy skin testing was performed on two patients.
- Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT), along with inhalers and nasal sprays, was suggested.
- Treatment was advised depending on each patient's clinical condition and complaints.
Free PRAANA Asthma Camp conducted on 28 April 2025. Six patients attended — all known cases of allergy and asthma.
- Total patients: 6
- Skin test done for: 4 patients
- Spirometry done for: 6 patients
- SLIT advised for: 4 patients
- Treatment advised as per conditions
Respected Sir,
Regarding the PRAANA free Asthma camp conducted at my clinic, only five new patients attended.
- All five patients underwent spirometry testing.
- Allergy skin testing was performed on three patients.
- A free chest X-ray was taken for one patient.
- Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) was suggested for two patients.
- Inhalers, nasal sprays, and montelukast were given for four patients.
For skin allergy (Eczema):
- Anti-histamine tablets at night
- Liquid paraffin during the day
- Steroid ointment at night
Conducted in association with PRAANA Charitable Allergy Asthma Clinics, Colorado, USA. The camp was extended due to a huge footfall of patients.
Services Provided:
- Free OPD consultation by Dr. Danish Qureshi, Family Physician & Allergy Specialist
- Free consultation with Asthma Counselor
- Supported by: Clinic Manager, 2 Clinic Attendants, Asthma Counselor, 2 Phlebotomists
Special emphasis was given on:
- Screening and educating the community about Asthma and its triggers
- Usage of inhaler devices and safety of inhaled medications
- Encouraging use of Peak Flow Meter at home to avoid serious medical situations
- Awareness about Allergy Skin Testing (AST) and Immunotherapy
Patient Statistics:
- Total patients: 63
- Age range: 10 years to 82 years
- Males: 44 | Females: 19
- Diagnosed Asthmatics & Chest Allergies: 10 patients (new + follow-ups)
- Under evaluation for Chest Allergies, COPD & Asthma: 17 patients
- Other medical conditions: 36 patients
- PEFR screening done on 60 patients
- Free Blood Sugar (Random) or Hemoglobin test done for 45 patients
- Asthma & Chest Allergy Counseling: 15 patients
Special thanks: CNC PathLab, Delhi for providing free investigations and Cipla Pharma for providing an Asthma Counselor.
"This would not have been possible without the able support of my mentor Dr. P.K. Vedanthan and my DAA batchmate Dr. Purushotam Dan."
— Dr. Danish Qureshi
Founded in 2021 and adopted by nearly 50 alumni across the country and beyond.
We would like to recognise on the AANI site our highly dedicated volunteers who serve selflessly to the needy patients.
Volunteer physicians and their assistants may submit their Patient Intake Form using the link provided on the website.