Indian Association of Respiratory Care (IARC) and The International Institute for Human Development, India (#IIHD India) organized a live seminar to deliberate on why India is not responding adequate enough to the challenge of containing #ChronicObstructivePulmonaryDisease (COPD). The deliberation covered a wide range of access-related issues of diagnosis, treatment and management while addressing what #India required now and in future to tackle #COPD.
“The seminar brings together policymakers, #pulmonologists, #anesthesiologists, #respiratory therapists, civil society organisation, academia and research institutions across pan India representing #ApolloHospital, #CMCVellore, #FortisHospital, #NationalInstituteofHealth andFamilyWelfare, #Amritha Institute of Medical Sciecnes and Research Centre, Manipal Hospital, Indian Council of Medical Research, #AIIMS, D Y Patil Hospital, #Bharathi Vidyapeeth University and many more”, said Dr. Sandeep Bhatia, Director, Healthcare Value, Policy & Strategy, IIHD India.
“The vibrant session were organized in the presence of eminent speakers starting with Dr. Sundeep Salvi, Director, #Pulmocare Research and Education Foundation, Pune, followed by Dr Damodar Bachani, Former Deputy Director General, #MoHFW, Government of India, Dr. Rajesh V, Head Department of Pulmonology, Rajagiri Hospital, Kochi, Dr. Pradeep Joshi, National Program Officer, WHO India and Dr. P. A. Mahesh, Professor JSS Hospital, Mysuru”, said by Ms Madhuragauri Shevade, Associate Vice President, Indian Association of Respiratory Care.
“India needs to adopt a multipronged approach involving the reduction of risk factors, improving availability of healthcare personnel, implementation of standard treatment guidelines, an efficient referral mechanism, rehabilitation programs, and effective surveillance systems. India needs a National COPD prevention and control program”, emphasized by the Seminar moderator and an eminent expert Dr. Sundeep Salvi, Director, Pulmocare Research and Education Foundation.
Dr. Damodar Bachani said, “Though for COPD was included under the National Program for Prevention and Management of #Cancer, #Diabetes, #CVD and Stroke, however, limited emphasis has been given at the primary level as compared to diabetes, hypertension and some cancers. It is recommended that COPD prevention, diagnosis and management may be given due attention within the framework of national program. In addition, cross referrals between Revised National Tobacco Program (#RNTCP) and #NCD programs should be facilitated for effectivey delivery of the program”.
Dr. P. A. Mahesh, Professor JSS Hospital, Mysuru highlighted, “There are some of the excellent initiatives by Government of India which are working well for COPD management such as regulatory control on prices to make COPD management affordable for most patients, banning smoking in public places, India’s Prime Minister, #UJJWALA scheme and #Kerala’s #SWAAS program”.
Dr. Pradeep Joshi, National Program Officer, WHO India emphasied, “Multisectoral actions to reduce risk of COPD, which includes various government initiatives on Tobacoo control, supply of LPG through #Ujjawalascheme, controlling airpolution, use of safer sources of energy including Solar energy”.
“With the increasing incidence of COPD in India and the burden it puts on the health care system it is obvious that the physician and the health department is being hard pressed to meet the requirement of the individual patient. The burden on the patient and the family is even worse. It is also important to realize that the disease is chronic in nature and once labeled as COPD they remain a patient for life. The qualified Respiratory therapists with their knowledge of the disease and their skill in aiding diagnosis, evaluation, and management of this group of patients in the outpatient setting, wards, ICUs and even in their homes can be a great help in reducing the burden on the physicians and also the distress of the patient and family. In addition, Respiratory therapists can play a key role at the national level and contribute immensely to address the challenges of COPD. Properly utilized, the Respiratory therapist will be a great asset to the national health care system”, said Dr Jerry Paul, President, Indian Association of Respiratory Care.
“The #COVID-19 pandemic has put patients with #COPD and other comorbidities at a high risk for poor outcomes. Access to care is a key issue for patients. Hence, this seminar comes in response to recognizing the urgency of this issue and collaborates for understanding what is not working well and why, while translating national strategic plans into concrete action at grass root level. The patient engagement for proper utilisation of the healthcare units must be warranted by multiple stakeholders in the healthcare value chain for an effective COPD management”, said Dr Ruchi Sogarwal, Founder & CEO, IIHD India.
