Announcement

We lend portable oxygen concentrators at no charge (small fully refundable deposit), to individuals who need supplemental oxygen for days or weeks, so that no one is forced to choose between their health and their freedom to move.
Currently available to residents of Mumbai metropolitan region.

WHY WE STARTED THIS

For many people living with chronic lung disease like COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, bronchiectasis, post-tubercular lung disease, severe asthma, or recovering from a severe chest infection, the prescription reads "use oxygen when you go out." The reality, far too often, is that portable oxygen concentrators are expensive to rent, difficult to access at short notice, and completely out of reach for those without insurance or financial means. The result is a quiet, invisible kind of confinement: people stay home not because they want to, but because going out without oxygen is unsafe.
At Breath First Foundation, we believe lung health is not a privilege. This initiative exists to dismantle one of the most preventable barriers to mobility and quality of life for people with chronic respiratory illness, specifically those that drop oxygen saturations on walking and exercise, and definitely for those who are low at rest itself and need to move out of their home confines.
This programme is supported by a generous donation from Mrs. Meenakshi Menon and her children Niranjan and Sumitra, in memory of Meenakshi’s late husband Mr. KC Suresh who suffered from ILD - and benefited much in his quality of life in his last years with the use of ambulatory oxygen.

WHAT WE OFFER

Through our Portable Oxygen Lending Programme, we provide access to a clinically appropriate, well-maintained portable oxygen concentrator for short-term use typically a few days to a few weeks entirely free of rental charges.

Rental Cost	₹0 completely free to borrow.
Deposit	Small and fully refundable on safe return of the device.
Loan duration	Days to weeks, based on clinical need.
Who can apply	Mumbai metropolitan region residents with a valid prescription or referral and proof of residence.

WHO THIS IS FOR

This programme is designed for individuals who need supplemental oxygen temporarily while recovering from an acute illness, during a period of exacerbation, or while awaiting a longer-term arrangement. You may benefit if you have been diagnosed with:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) with exercise-induced or resting hypoxemia
• Interstitial lung disease or pulmonary fibrosis with resting or exercise-induced hypoxemia
• Bronchiectasis or post-tubercular lung disease with resting or exercise-induced hypoxemia
• Pulmonary hypertension or other conditions requiring resting and/or ambulatory oxygen
• If your doctor has recommended oxygen outside of hospital/home, and our team of doctors approve it.

HOW IT WORKS

Step 1 — Reach out to us

Call Mrs Sheetal Bheda on 91527 83403 or write to us through our website at www.breathfirstfoundation.com. You can also ask your treating doctor to refer you directly. We aim to respond within one working day; you can mail at breathfirstfoundation@gmail.com.

Step 2 — Share your prescription or clinical details

A valid prescription or referral from a treating physician confirming the need for supplemental oxygen is required. This ensures the device is matched to your clinical need safely.

Step 3 — Pay the refundable deposit and collect the device

A small, fully refundable security deposit is collected at handover. Our team will orient you on the safe and effective use of the device before you leave.

Step 4 — Return the device and receive your deposit back

When you no longer need the device, return it to us in its original condition and your deposit is refunded in full.

A NOTE ON SAFETY

Supplemental oxygen is a medical intervention and must be used under the guidance of a qualified physician. We require a doctor's prescription or referral to participate in this programme not to create barriers, but to ensure every person using a device does so with appropriate indication and safely, and at the right flow rate for their condition. If you are unsure about your eligibility or oxygen requirements, please speak to your doctor first. We are always happy to coordinate with your treating team.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

Every device in our lending pool is regularly serviced and clinically inspected before each loan. You will never receive a device that has not been verified for safe operation. Our team is available to answer questions about use, troubleshoot concerns, and coordinate with your doctor if needed. We do not discriminate on the basis of diagnosis, or background. If you need oxygen and your doctor agrees, we want to help.

SUPPORT THIS INITIATIVE

This programme is sustained entirely by contributions from individuals and organizations who believe, as we do, that access to oxygen should not depend on the size of one's wallet. If you would like to donate a device or volunteer with our coordination team, we would be grateful to hear from you.

Apply for a device → Call 91527 83403, or email breathfirstfoundation@gmail.com
Support or donate → www.breathfirstfoundation.com

GET IN TOUCH

Programme Coordinator	Mrs. Sheetal Bheda
Phone	91527 83403
Website	www.breathfirstfoundation.com
Availability	Mumbai metropolitan region residents only

Breath First Foundation is registered as a Section 8 under the Companies Act, 2013. All programmes are funded by donation and sponsorships.